Just pray (1)

The prophet Ezekiel wrote, 'I looked for someone...who would...stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land' (Ezekiel 22:30 NIV). There's a 'gap' between the present situation and how God is going to change and use it for good. Sometimes there are situations in our lives where we need someone to be praying through that gap with us. Sometimes there are times when we need to be praying through others' gaps with them.

When Jesus met Paul on the road to Damascus, he said, 'Lord, what do you want me to do' (Acts 9:6 NKJV)? Whether we're praying for someone else by 'standing in the gap', or praying for our own stuff, it's a pretty vulnerable prayer. We're saying, 'All right, God, everything I have, and am, belongs to you. What do you want me to do with it?' It's about muting our own ideas to make space to hear God's direction. Which, let's face it, is best for everyone.

Starting at 'God, what do you want?' centres our hearts, thoughts and actions. Where worry, enthusiasm or pride may otherwise get in the way of a fully-Jesus-centred prayer, asking that question takes away the need to struggle for an angle on prayer.



So what now? If you're up for it, pray: 'God, what do you want me to do?' But don't keep it to yourself. Find someone who you can 'stand in the gap' for and pray with them today. And continue to ask, 'stand' and pray.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Pray...with all kinds of prayers and requests.' Ephesians 6:18 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Judg 1-3, Matt 11:20-30, Ps 88:9b-18, Pro 13:4-6