“God bless me and my wife, John and his wife, us four and no more.” Okay. I know that’s an old one, but stop and think about it. What does that prayer reveal about the person praying? Your prayers reveal much about you and how you see yourself in relation to the world.
Your prayers reveal that you see yourself as all alone
When you pray, you pray for your concerns only. These prayers reveal that you have trouble seeing past yourself. The people and what is happening around you have not engaged you to the point where you pray for them. They have not touched your heart. Self-absorbed, perhaps?
Your prayers show that there are other people in your universe
When you pray, you pray for you, your family, and your friends. You care about them. They are in your heart. However, you do not pray for people outside of this circle. These prayers reveal that your world is very small.
Your prayers show that your circle is widening
When you pray, you pray for you, your family, your community, and perhaps your country. These prayers reveal that you have a sense of community. You are aware that you are a part of something greater than you and your immediate circle. You have a sense of responsibility for the place in which you are planted.
Your prayers are global
When you pray, you pray for you, your family, your community, your country and the world. You may pray for the world in general, or specific countries, as you are led. These prayers reveal that you have a global view of life. You see the interconnections of the world. You are able to encompass the world that God loves in some greater or lesser degree.
What’s really great is when you add specifics to your prayer as you pray for each category. This shows that you are attentive to what’s happening around you and have specific concerns, requests, and praise.
All this is saying that you pray about the things and people that touch you. What touches you? Can you include the world that God loves? What do your prayers reveal about you?
Removing your boundaries to a full and free life through honest, whole-hearted praying.
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