As I was teaching one of my kids the five Ws of writing the other day (who, what, when, where, why), it occurred to me there must be some parallel for prayer.
So I asked myself what questions I need to pose before I sit down to pray. I know God hears us no matter how we ask, but sometimes I hear Him better when I pay closer attention to what I’m saying. And when it comes to petition, there are three queries that definitely improve the quality of my conversations:
What Do I Want?
It’s surprising how vague my prayers can be if I don’t pinpoint exactly what I am asking God to do. Do I want Him to …
- Make a difficulty go away?
- Make life more pleasant?
- Give me the grace to endure a trial?
- Show me how to accept a cross?
- Teach me to live with uncertainty?
What is it that I’m asking?
Why Do I Want It?
All too often my weaknesses drive my requests. Is my prayer driven by …
- Fear?
- Worldly desire?
- Jealousy?
- Pride?
- Or is it for a good reason, like the sake of someone’s soul?
Why is this request so urgent?
What Will I Do If I Don’t Get It?
Thinking this through helps me realize how often I put my hope in a particular outcome instead of placing my hope in God. If He doesn’t answer my prayer in the way I want, will I …
- Despair?
- Be hurt?
- Accept no as an answer?
- Wonder why He’s not hearing me?
Or will I love Him anyway?
What questions do you ask yourself before you start to pray?
