“Show me your ways, O Lord…” Psalm 25:4
What an eye-opening experience it has been as I’ve made this simple phrase the focus of how I pray each day. The past few days I’ve been praying it with an emphasis on ME. (Hah! Sounds a bit to true-to-life.)
Last week I prayed the line as SHOW me your ways.
This week: Show ME your ways.
It’s truly amazing how praying this slowly and intentionally has had such an impact on ME.
Show ME your ways.
Me.
Not necessarily all the people I’m praying for, but ME.
For example, I have young adult children that I would love to control, including a lot of unsolicited advice about their lives.
I know. You, too!
Right?!!
This can quickly turn into anxiety as my mind highlights all the things I think they should or should not be doing.
As I prayed ‘show ME’… an interesting shift began to happen in my thoughts. I need to ‘stay in MY lane’ and focus on God changing ME—not others— making MY heart available for God’s purposes.
I’m called to love God and love others.
I’m not called to manipulate or control.
Show ME your ways…
I’m learning to give up my instructions to God and ask him to do his will …in his way… at his time.
Trust His purposes more than my own perceptions.
I’m also thinking of all those amazing qualities of God that I desperately need in MY life: compassion, mercy, slow to anger, long-suffering… to name just a few!
God, please show ME more of you that I may be able to love others well. Help ME be an encourager, trusting you with all those I love.
Psalm 25:5 ends with, “MY hope is in YOU all. day. long.”
THAT, my friends, is the goal… knowing where our hope for each day comes from.
I would absolutely love to know your thoughts on this as I’m putting together a devotional on praying this way. Please leave a comment or email me at lori@lorimargo.com with ideas, reactions, or verses that may have crossed your mind.
(Resources used: Live a Praying Life by Jennifer Kennedy Dean)
I’m a firm believer that prayer works. Prayer has been a part of my life since I was a child. I don’t know any other way but to pray.
Yes! I feel the same way!❤️
Lori, thank you for this encouragement in prayer and using scripture. I love this way of breaking a scripture down and applying what God has for us in different parts. There’s nothing like some undistracted time with Jesus. I’m so looking forward to your devotional!!
Susan,
Isn’t it amazing how we can find new insights in the living Word of God? So special! Also… still singing the chorus you shared with us on Monday! ❤️
Thank you Lori again for your spiritual insight to teach & encourage us all. I feel like breaking down these scriptures has created mental flash cards system that pops up over & over to emphasize the power of each line of scripture. Show me… teach me…use me..etc. I’m developing a spiritual filing box that feeds my soul throughout the day as I reflect on these scriptures. Being a visual learner these scriptures are being seen in my minds eye. In return I’m constantly reminded of His instruction, His purpose as He feeds & nurtures my soul. It’s such a great learning tool to allow the word to be embedded on our hearts. God bless you & keep on keeping on. We need & appreciate so much your faithfulness to His call on your life.
Sandy!
I love the picture of ‘mental flash cards’. Love it!
HI Lori, My bible study group is delving into our enneagram numbers during shelter in place. Nothing like a pandemic to bring out the ‘best’ in you!!! Your devo today is spot on as I continually try to surrender my need to control people and circumstances around me. Thanks for the great reminder…
Lynn!
THAT is one of my favorite things to talk about… all things Enneagram! You’ll have to let me know if you’ve figured out your number. And, yes… it is a continual surrender and it’s hard! But, God is so faithful (and PATIENT).