He That Watereth

What is your approach to prayer? Do you approach prayer as a petulant, tantrum-throwing child determined to get their way, or do you see the maturity and humility in approaching prayer as a dialogue with God? God does answer prayers. The problem is we tend to offer the wrong prayers. We don’t pray according to his own plan. In prayer many of us are trying to manipulate God to do our bidding. If we only surrender our will to him, asking him to open our understanding to see what he has prepared. There is a difference between praying and trying to manipulate God into doing what you want.

There is a big problem if you are worshiping a god that serves you and is committed to giving you whatever you want. This mindset is not biblical. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed three times to his Father, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup from me.” “However, not as I will, but as you will”—the KJV says, “Let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39). Later in Matthew 26:42, Jesus prays, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done”

When you approach God with an open heart and humility, you will begin to receive insights that will change your perspective on situations, circumstances, and events. You start to see beyond your own nose and into the bigger picture. And when you surrender your ego and allow God to shape it, you may one day, like Abraham, become a leader capable of negotiating the future of nations with the divine. Train yourself to meditate on the word of God and to sit quietly in the presence of God. Let your prayer time become a humble dialogue. An exchange between your limited mind and the unlimited God.

One way to think about prayer is as a surrender to a bigger picture. A narrative you do not control. This is something that is hard for humans to do. A normal human being desires to be in command, to account for everything. However, the act of praying acknowledges that there are things over which the individual has no control. You discern and surrender to someone greater, mightier, and wiser than you could ever be in the place of prayer. A prayer and self-reflection routine will help you surrender to a bigger picture.

It is possible to do everything correctly and still fail. Success is never entirely in your control. Proverbs 19:21 (ESV) says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” We can see that finding and surrendering to the bigger picture gives us the best chance of success. A scenario in which you are not in command and are eager to inquire, “show me how I fit into your plans?” As opposed to throwing a tantrum and crying like a petulant child who always wants to get their way.

You need to remember that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Pride is considered by a lot of mature believers to be the deadliest sin. This is because pride is the sin that displaces God in your life. James 4:10 (NLT) encapsulates this surrender: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honour.” In surrendering to God, there’s an elevation, a lifting beyond the ordinary. It all begins with an intentional acknowledgment that your roles, plans, and ambitions find their true significance when entrusted to a purpose beyond your understanding.

Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for dispersing spiritual blindness from my spirit. I thank you for lifting me out of the pit, and destroying the power of the grave. You are trustworthy and will help your own. I come before you with gratitude for the opportunities you’ve placed all around me. I acknowledge that you’ve positioned me here not just as an observer but as a player in the unfolding story of our economy. Lord, grant me the wisdom to see the needs around me as opportunities. May I become a catalyst for positive change, contributing to the growth and well-being of my community.

The earth is the Lord’s, with all its wealth; the world and all the people living in it (Psalm 24:1 BBE). Therefore, I come to you with clean hands (I will only engage in ethical businesses), and a pure heart (my motivations for seeking economic power are righteous and just). Lord, instill in me a heart of service. May my pursuits be not solely for personal gain but for the betterment of those around me. Guide me in fostering relationships, collaborating with others, and creating networks that enhance the collective prosperity of our economy at the local, national and global levels.

I pray for discernment in understanding the local dynamics so that my efforts can be aligned with the genuine needs, hopes, and aspirations of the people. Help me to understand the pulse of our community so that my efforts can be a source of empowerment and upliftment. Give me the courage to step outside of my comfort zone, to innovate and pioneer solutions to the problems we face. Allow my actions to motivate others to join me in the effort to make our community more vibrant, sustainable, and economically resilient. May my economic activities demonstrate the transformative power of faith-driven action. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Every one of us must confront and make sense of this chaotic world. It would be hard to find a better way to find a rhythm in the face of life’s demands than to commit to a practice of prayer and meditation. As you lead every single day as a father or mother, business executive or civil servant, it is important to understand prayer and self-reflection as powerful tools that help you to maintain your sense of beauty and balance. If you will succeed in your endeavors, you must never trivialize and reduce prayer to a religious ritual without real world effect.

You must begin to understand prayer as a tool for navigating places you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to go. A consistent prayer routine will provide you with divine guidance, illuminating the path and instilling purpose in every step. This practise is a doorway to clarity, allowing you to discern the specific responsibilities associated with each role God has assigned to you. Whether you’re a clever inventor, a revolutionary engineer, or a business magnate, prayer can help you save time by drawing on spiritual energy. If you take your life seriously, you will pray. If you take your work seriously, you will pray about it.

If you sincerely want to lead a life of purpose, and progress, you will do a lot of prayer and meditation. Meditation prompts the question: How can I be the best version of myself in every role or office I occupy? It becomes a call to balance selfish ambition with a commitment to serve others, rooted in humility. Life unfolds through various roles you are called to fill over time. You might start at the bottom of the ladder, but self-reflection will help you see the purpose of every season of life. Prayer helps you evolve into a genuine watchman ready to shine the light of heaven upon their community.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before you. I acknowledge your sovereignty over all situations and circumstances. You are the anchor in the storms of life, and I find my strength in you. I thank you for making all things work together for good for me. I thank you for protecting me from the snares of the fowler and from the noisome pestilence. Lord, I want to do your will and pursue the mission you’ve set before me. But the boisterous storms are raging and I cannot seem to find my feet. Lord, the giants are calling out my name and mocking me, I cannot proceed.

Help me, Lord, to keep my eyes fixed on the mission despite the storms that may rage around me. May I find strength in your word and solace in your presence. Like the Psalmist, I declare, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” knowing that with you, I lack nothing. Lord, as I pursue the mission you’ve set before me, I recognize that challenges are inevitable. Yet, I pray for the perseverance to keep going, fueled by unwavering faith. Grant me the wisdom to see beyond the present difficulties and to understand that your plans are perfect, even when my path seems uncertain.

In moments of doubt and weariness, let your light illuminate my way. When obstacles appear insurmountable, instill in me the courage to face them head-on, knowing that I am not alone. In the face of adversity, I pray for a heart that echoes the words of Nehemiah: “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” Let this conviction be my shield against distractions and discouragements. Your purpose for my life is greater than any temporary setback. Lord, empower me to keep going, not fueled by my own strength but by the limitless well of yours. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for the gift of life. I thank you for the fruit of the spirit working in me. I thank you for you are great and greatly to be praised. Lord, I come before you this day to request that you help me awaken my creative genius. Father, I acknowledge that you are the source of all creativity and inventiveness, the Master Artist who painted the universe with a stroke of your hand. I recognize that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in your image, carrying a spark of your divine creativity within me.

Lord, I invite your Holy Spirit to hover over the canvas of my mind. Breathe life into the dormant ideas, awaken the seeds of creativity, invention and innovation planted in the soil of my soul. Let your inspiration flow through me like a mighty river, breaking down the barriers of doubt and fear. Take away my fears and give me faith. I surrender my limitations to you, knowing that your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Remove the chains of self-doubt and insecurity that hinder the free expression of the creative genius you’ve placed within me.

Grant me the wisdom to understand the things freely given to me. Help me to identify the burdens and problems I am meant to solve. Help me to discern opportunities. Grant me the courage to take creative risks, and the perseverance to see every idea through to its manifestation. May my creativity reflect your glory in the beauty it brings to the world. As I embark on this creative journey, guide my thoughts and actions. Help me to align my creativity with your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, believing you are able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that I can ask or think. Amen.

In 2 Kings 3, we find a compelling story about the choices we make in our relationships and associations. The King of Israel, facing a crisis, sought assistance. King Jehoshaphat of Judah, a righteous king, responded to the call for help, but he insisted on seeking the Lord’s guidance through a prophet. This insistence on consulting the divine before making a move reveals a profound lesson. King Jehoshaphat’s discernment in choosing his allies speaks volumes about the importance of surrounding ourselves with those who share our values and reverence for God.

Prophet Elisha’s response adds another layer to this lesson. He declares, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you (king of Israel) nor see you” (2 Kings 3:14). Elisha’s words underscore the impact of righteous associations. Because of Jehoshaphat’s devotion to God, Elisha was willing to intervene. In our lives, the relationships we form significantly influence our journey. You should be intentional about aligning yourself with those who share your values and commitment to God.

Elisha’s regard for Jehoshaphat exemplifies the divine favour that can result from wise association. We are commanded to love everyone as Christians. We cannot and should not, however, believe that everyone is a friend. You should be cautious of the people you consider friends and ensure that you share common values. Let us remember the wisdom of seeking God’s guidance as we navigate the complexities of our relationships. May we prioritise associations that honour and respect the divine, as Jehoshaphat did, knowing that such choices can attract favour and intervention in our lives.

In today’s world, societal trends frequently portray belief in God as old-fashioned, associating it with losers or an inferior mindset. There is a dominant narrative that rejects God and the supernatural, viewing skepticism as a modern and fashionable stance. This contrast reflects a cultural shift in which the cool and contemporary are often aligned with the godless, secular perspectives. This overshadows the profound depth and richness that spiritual beliefs can offer in navigating the complexities of the human experience. The Bible insists that only a fool ever says in their heart, “There is no God.”

Common sense should tell us that it is safer to align with the Holy Bible, which has been battle-tested and time-tested, than with the opinions of some people going through a mid-life crisis. Opinions that change and shift every few years. It is important to believe in something bigger than oneself. The acknowledgment of a higher power is a pivotal aspect of mental and emotional well-being. In contrast to a godless worldview, which quickly leads to lust, greed, corruption, and all evil deeds, a study of history reveals that the greatest minds, most powerful figures, and wealthiest people never declared, “There is no God.”

In the fast-paced, modern world where the pursuit of success and fulfillment can be all-consuming, the practice of acknowledging God brings balance and critical perspectives. It serves as a reminder that, amidst our ambitions, there’s a higher purpose that provides a foundation for mental and emotional resilience. It’s an admission that there are aspects of our existence that transcend the material and the tangible. An admission that we are perishable and frail. Weaklings that cannot save themselves from abominable deeds. There is nothing cool or superior about insisting, “There is no God.”

Self-reflection and meditation have the added benefit of revealing character flaws and defects if you are honest in those moments. As you ponder your thoughts, intentions and actions with a genuine heart. You begin to see the factors that shape your interactions and perceptions. The Holy Spirit ministers to us, and convicts of such shortcomings. This journey of acknowledging defects and seeking redemption is transformative. It’s an admission that, despite our status, spirituality and achievements, we are inherently flawed. But in that admission lies the path to growth and redemption.

This practice is consistent with a biblical theme of accepting our flaws and seeking redemption. It is essential to stay true to biblical principles of repentance and the pursuit of righteousness. Consider Peter, who denied Jesus three times. In his moment of weakness, Peter displayed a character defect. Yet, through humility and repentance, he found redemption and went on to play a pivotal role in the early Christian church. A daily practice of prayer and self-reflection will accomplish this for you. The Holy Spirit assists you in recognising and overcoming your flaws. This requires total surrender and submission to God, as well as the acceptance that you cannot help yourself.

In your mission to watch the world, you must first watch yourself. There are aspects of oneself that go beyond understanding or control. And to become your very best, you have to put it in the hands of God. The acknowledgment of character defects, paired with a sincere desire for redemption, creates a foundation for personal growth. This gives us the confidence that we can handle the complexities and unforeseen. We can navigate life with humility and a commitment to right action. In this, we find a timeless truth—that acknowledging our defects can be a powerful catalyst for redemption and transformation.

Taking time to self-reflect and consider the roles one plays is a very productive task. In the quiet moments of self-reflection, you can embark on a mental journey through the various roles you play—human being, father, uncle, friend, brother, business leader, church secretary and citizen. This inventory offers clarity about where you’ve been, where you stand, and the exciting paths you could explore. As you dwell on these roles, you would recognize the ambitious call to be the best you can at these roles. You would also recognise a longing to grow into new roles.

On some levels, you are defined by the roles you play. Some roles give us our core identity. An identity that forces you to level up and do whatever it takes to deliver results. We can see therefore that if someone lacks a good sense of roles and responsibilities, they might struggle to grow. This practice reveals to us that life is a tapestry woven with diverse roles. Each thread contributes to the larger picture, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in fulfilling these roles. For a life of purpose and fulfillment, you have to be the best steward, mother and founder that you can.

As you consider the roles you play, reflect on Proverbs 3:6 (ESV): “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This wisdom encourages us to submit our roles, ambitions, and plans to divine guidance in order to shape our journey with purpose. Every role you play at home, in your community, or in your organisation necessitates a distinct set of actions and intentions. This daily reflection is a spiritual practise, a reminder that each role is an opportunity to serve a higher purpose and positively contribute to the world.