(#055 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
When My children, did you see,
My lifting up of prayers for Me?
Was “ask and receive” for Me too,
Or was this pattern just for you?
Envision Gethsemane; what was My fear?
For joy set before Me, My resurrection so near!
Perhaps it was when I hung on the stake,
Did I foresee Myself crying “forsake”?
Again I ask, “Did I pray for Me?”
Tell Me My child, what do you see?
Hearken to this reality. Are you searching for hidden truths, the mysteries of the Kingdom, while neglecting the obvious spiritual realities right in front of you? When you read the “model prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13), are you instructed to pray for yourself? You may contend that “give us this day our daily bread” (v. 11) seems like a personal request. But, in context you are instructed to not worry about such things if you seek first the Kingdom (Matthew 6:25-34). And “forgive us our debts” (v. 12); that’s all about forgiving others, as the Messiah’s forgiveness manifests in you.
Do you really believe that because of His Son’s sacrifice the promises of Yahweh are already “yes” and “so be it” (2 Corinthians 1:20)? If so, then why do you insist on asking again for what you already possess because of the faith you were given (Luke 17:6)? Imagine holding a scepter of righteousness. Can you see it in your hand? Now imagine, as you gaze upon it, crying out “Abba, please give me a scepter of righteousness.”
Repent of your unbelief! Repent for not believing that Yahshua’s death answered all of your prayers long before you ever prayed them (Psalm 21:2).
If so, then what is prayer for? Prayer is the communication and communion that builds and strengthens our relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit. But, the emphasis here is to help you recognize that too often your prayers are focused on personal desires in the physical realm, even though Yahshua said, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
This leaves us with something important to consider about the purpose of prayer. If His Kingdom is not of this world, we ought to remodel our prayers to reflect our true identity as sons or daughters of Light, rather than children of “self.” What would that look like? Understanding your true identity would be better expressed with prayers that contain much more thanks and praise and a lot less “give me!” How’s something like this? “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.” Yes, it’s the obvious hiding in plain sight!