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"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me."
JERIMIAH 29:11-13
Day 28
What kind of prayers do you pray? Do you ask for protection as you drive to work? Do you recite a prayer before breakfast or dinner? Do you pray with your kids at bedtime or regularly with a friend as you walk?
Prayer is a crucial part of our spiritual growth. Maybe if we realized that God does listen when we pray (Jer. 29:11-13), we'd treat the power of prayer with even more awe and a grateful spirit.
If you want to mature as a Christ follower, maybe it's time you moved beyond "safe" prayers to "dangerous" prayers.
Praying Dangerously
Each day we pray all kinds of prayers—from the safe or self-serving to the risky and exciting. When was the last time you prayed a "dangerous" prayer—a prayer that put your faith on the line and opened you up to God in a way you've never done before?
God loves to hear dangerous prayers—the kind of prayers that help us grow as Christians. If you've been keeping God at a safe distance in your prayer life, try praying one of the following "dangerous" prayers—and see how God in his wisdom will answer it:
Search me. There's an old adage that says, "Don't ask the question if you're not ready to hear the answer." A "search me" prayer is dangerous because when you ask God to search your heart for anything that displeases him, he will. So don't pray a "search me" prayer unless you're ready for that kind of exposure!
Break me. Ecclesiastes 3:3 says, "[There is] a time to tear down and a time to rebuild." There's always something in my life that needs to be torn down—whether it's discouragement or pride or insensitivity. If you want to be set free to follow Christ fully, then it's time to pray a "break me" prayer.
Stretch me. If you're tired of going nowhere spiritually or relationally, if your marriage is difficult, or your children are going through tough times and you're not sure how to cope, ask God to stretch your marriage, your parenting, your spiritual understanding, even your courage to walk with him in a new way. Strength of character is won only by those who respond to life's challenges by asking God to stretch them.
Lead me. When you get settled into a house, a career, a growing family, or future plans, it's tempting to avoid dangerous "lead me" prayers that me "unsettle" your life. But that's where faith comes in. We need to believe God loves us and wants to lead our life down a better, more God-focused path than we could ever lead ourselves.
When you say, "God, here's my life. I'll follow your promptings; I'll listen for the tugs of your Spirit"—you'll be surprised what can happen.
If we really understand the power that's released
when we pray, we'd be on our knees half the day.
TERRY MEEUWSEN
Use me. This prayer says, "God, I'm available if you'd like to do something great through me. I'm available if you'd like to touch another life through me." "Use me" prayers are powerful. They create adventures. You never know what the result of these prayers will be, but they're worth the risk of praying, because when you ask God to use you, he will. And it's wonderful to be used by God.
Praying these five dangerous prayers says you mean business with God. When you prayerfully and courageously move out of your comfort zone, your spiritual life will never be the same. "Search me. Break me. Stretch me. Lead me. Use me." Pray these prayers and watch what God does.
—Bill Hybels
A STEP FURTHER
Prayer Power
1. Pray for your unsaved neighbors. Pray that God will use you in some small way to touch them with his presence.
2. Pray for your coworkers. Pray for those who are discouraged, for those who have just given birth to or adopted a child, for those who long to be married or are newly divorced.
3. Pray for your church's leaders. Include not only the pastors, elders, etc., but all the men and women who serve as teachers.
4. Pray for the nation. Pray for moral character in our government's leaders. Pray for the strength of the American family. Pray that as a nation we will turn once again toward God.
—RCT
Faith Focus
Are you satisfied with your prayer life, or do you want to grow even closer to God? If you're longing for more intimacy with God, which of these prayers could you risk praying today?
- Search me.
- Break me.
- Stretch me.
- Lead me.
- Use me.
Prayer Pointer
Thank God that he's faithfully
and lovingly working out his
plans for your life (Ps. 138:8).
Ask him to give you the courage
to pray a dangerous prayer, and
then wait in eager anticipation
for the results!
 The 30 Days Series is a 3 book set offering 30 thought provoking daily devotions each. Each day's lesson offers a Scripture passage, short message or story, quote for the day, tips on implementing the lesson, and a suggested prayer.
These 30 day devotionals are powerful little books that you won't want to be without. Order the 3 book set or pick from the 3 individual titles.
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Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc. All rights reserved. Excerpted from 30 Days to a More Incredible Relationship with God, by Ramona Cramer Tucker pages 164-169. Used by permission. For reprint information call 630-260-6200.
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