How to Pray For Yourself

Do you pray for yourself? Doesn’t it feel a little weird praying for ourselves? It’s time we get over it. A few years ago I began writing down my prayers. When I first started I would write them in a journal that had prayer prompts. The book would say things like “Praise, Confession, Supplication….” One of the headings in this journal said: “Ask Him to make you more like Him.” Another great prayer resource I’ve used (twice!!) is Beth Moore’s Whispers of Hope prayer journal. She talked about praying specifically that we let go of our own will and let God have control over us. It was then I realized it wasn’t wrong for me to pray for myself.

So I’ve started praying little prayers for myself and I realize God is moving. I’ll be honest, it hasn’t been a drastic move nor have I seen a huge amount of spiritual breakthrough, but I’ve seen my heart bend and mold to His will more and more.

Looking back, it was through the power of prayer I learned to develop my patient muscles. I’m not perfect and I still lack much of the patience I need, but praying specifically for my heart to be at rest and trust has led to my responses being better towards my family and friends.

I’m not sure if you would be comfortable praying for yourself, but I want to encourage you it isn’t wrong! In fact, God knows our hearts and our needs, why not bring them to mind when we pray before Him. Some of the things I pray for (for myself) is that I will have patience, love, and wisdom. When I get frustrated or overwhelmed, I think sometimes its because my heart is not at peace in my Heavenly Father. If I believe everything is in His hands and He has orchestrated all things for my good (Romans 8), these minor interruptions are part of His plan. I don’t need to stress, worry, or be angry because God is in control.

Prayer has brought peace to my heart in a way I never expected. Three years ago when I started writing out my prayers and being more intentional in praying, I didn’t even think about my own spiritual lfe. I wanted more than anything to “do the right thing” and I wanted to see God move in other people’s lives. Over time I’ve seen Him move, but the biggest and greatest change has been in my own heart.

Four Tips for How to Pray for Yourself

1. Think about the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Which fruit do you want to specifically focus on for this season in your life? Pray for that every single day.

2. Pray for what you know to be God’s will for your life: to be more like Christ, to love others better, and to be bold in witnessing for God (Ephesians 6:19).

3. Give up control to God. Submit your will to His will for your life and find your delight in Him (Psalm 37:4).

4. Finally, ask God to give you a desire for His word. We can never love God’s word too much. Ask God to make you fall in love over and over again with the pages of the Bible (Psalm 119).

Four Tips for How to Pray for Yourself #prayer

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