Prayer Steps: Stop, Look, and Listen

Can we apply a few simple steps to our everyday prayer life? Let's take a look at them.

When you make a decision, do you rush ahead or do you stop and evaluate the situation by asking God for His opinion? Do you look at all the pros and cons? Do you listen to that still small voice by getting confirmation in the Word of God? Do you listen to wise council?

We need to get away from the noise of the world and pray. It is important to stop all our activities and really turn off the world. Perhaps you will need to turn the ringer down on the phone, or switch off the TV. Whatever it takes, just do it.

Look at the Word of God concerning the situation and find God's perspective. Ask Him for His guidance in the matter. Once you have made your case, then be very still and listen for the answer. Please keep in mind that the answer may not be "Yes" or "No." It could be "Wait."

When I first learned to pray, I wanted a formula to make it easy. I wanted to grow as a Christian. Later I bought books on prayer and then taught on it. I found myself growing into a deeper prayer called intercession. Now when I have a need in my own life I can go back to these first principles and they help me.

The topic of prayer can be an exhaustive study. The phrase "stop, look, and listen" is a very wise saying and can keep us from making unnecessary mistakes. Try and think of these three words as road signs when you get alone with your heavenly Father to pray. A sign is a warning and if we pay attention to them our prayers can be answered more easily. God never intended prayer to be complicated, so what are you waiting for? Let's go boldly into the throne of grace and make our petitions known to our Father.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Copyright 2004 Cathy Irvin. Used by permission.