by Jonathan Bennett
When we think about our lives, and everything that is taking place on a daily basis, how
often do we stop to pray to God for protection, for instruction and also for forgiveness? The first
two things listed here are easily forgotten when we are bowing before Jehovah God in prayer. It is
very easy to become so focused on asking the Lord to forgive us of our shortcomings, that we
forget to ask Him to watch over us, and protect us, not only physically, but spiritually. Along with
asking the Lord to watch over us, do we pray to Him for better understanding of His word, and
His will for us? One aspect of our understanding that we often forget to pray for is wisdom to
navigate this life and to be better citizens. In Psalm 25, we see that David is praying to God for
protection, instruction, and forgiveness. How often do we stop and pray for these things? It is
imperative, that we never lose sight of the end goal, and that being eternity with the Lord. Do we
truly stop to ask God to help us not be ashamed of our trust in Him, and to not allow our enemies
to triumph over us in the aspect of causing us to depart from God, becoming like our spiritual
enemies? We need to be praying to God to help us persevere and cause those who deal
treacherously to be ashamed and realize they have acted profanely not only against us, but
ultimately against Jehovah God. As we are praying, we also need to be asking God to not remember
the sins of our youth which would be the things committed in ignorance, or periods of not thinking
about the long-term consequences of sinful actions.
The aspect of prayer life can be multifaceted in that we are asking for protection,
instruction, and forgiveness, but when bowing before, the Lord in prayer, it is permissible to give
praise and adoration for the blessings received in this life. We need to be thanking God for not
only our own personal needs but also praying for our descendants that they will remain faithful
ensuring the Gospel is taught regardless of what is happening in the world. It is of utmost
importance that we realize as we bow before the Throne of God that we can come before it boldly
(Hebrews 4:16), but it is done with humility and with reverent respect and adoration for the Lord.
We see that David says in Psalm 20:25, “Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed,
for I put my trust in you. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.” Again,
how often do we ask God to keep our souls, to deliver us and to let us not be ashamed to proclaim
His word, and claim Him as our Father before a lost and dying world? Where is our integrity and
our uprightness? Is it where it ought to be, fully vested in a life of service to Jehovah God? Is our
prayer life what it ought to be, or does it need some overhauling? We can use many of the Psalms,
including Psalm 25, as guides on how to pray, and what to pray for, during some of life’s most
difficult hours.
Praying For…?
