My schedule the past few weeks prevented me from taking part in the “One Prayer” Series. Back when William first brought the notion of our church participating to the Elders and explained the concept it immediately started me thinking and reflecting on what my “One Prayer” would be?
For those not familiar with the question behind “One Prayer” it was simply that if we could ask one prayer and know that God would answer it, what would that one prayer be? I’m sure during the time of developing the program across the large number of churches that participated many possible prayers arose including one that asked God to send Christ back today and end all of the pain, suffering and struggle we see around us.
As I considered that particular prayer however I realized I’d be selfish to ask it as it would forever prevent the saving of all the lost souls who will come to know Christ between now and His return. And, in fact, it may be that the very pain, suffering and struggle I see around me today will be exactly the motivating force creating the opportunity for another of God’s creation to find Him through Jesus.
Approximately three weeks ago I began to sense that for me there was only one prayer I would beg to have God answer; that being that everything I do would be pleasing in His sight. As I continue to reflect on this one prayer it convicts me in so many ways and causes me to be more reflective and purposeful in everything.
Like Paul I struggle between knowing what to do but actually doing the opposite. It seems at times that the harder I try to do “right” the more I do wrong, and the harder I try not to be “of the world” I find myself sliding back into it. But I can see that at the center of everything we say, think or do, is our motivation, our “character”. As Chuck Swindoll once said, “character is who you are when no one is watching”.
If I can only have one prayer answered, then, it’s that my motivation and my actions, my character – all that I say or do, will be pleasing to God. That is my heart’s desire and my one prayer…let me know what yours is and I’ll pray with you that God will also answer it as I know He’ll answer mine.
In Christ
Wes
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