Pray for Direction

In last week’s post, “Encouragement for Seeking Direction,” step one was to Pray – and I noted that asking for God’s wisdom should always be the first step! Let’s unpack that a little more:

 

“Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and alert.”

Colossians 4:2

I have been praying for direction for quite some time – for my art business, for my writing, for our life in the next stage, for specific decisions – and I find that God uses many things to guide me. Most recently, He has spoken to me through Sunday’s sermon (working for the right reward Colossians 3:23-24), a sincere social media post by a fellow author (Christine Hoover), and conversations with old and new friends throughout the week.

I truly believe in God’s guiding hand – that He places us in the right position (time and place) to understand what He wants for us – if only we are willing to hear and see. All of the pieces of my ordinary days – the interactions and the interruptions – seem disconnected until I place them in the context of my prayers.

“What do you want me to do Lord?

Where do you want me to go?

What is the purpose of my life right now?”

When I am looking – searching – studying – I find that He is showing me.

I travelled with Jerry this week as he worked, and though I normally stay in the hotel room to study and write, I found myself venturing out into the city we were visiting. I was pleasantly surprised to find a river wandering through the downtown area with a beautiful park built around a waterfall. I was struck by the juxtaposition of the natural scenery and the city built around it. It was entirely possible to focus on the peace of the falling water and hear the cling, clang, hustle, bustle of construction and city life all at the same time. And suddenly, as I sat enjoying my new surroundings, the picture before me became clear:

Everything was built around God’s creation and purpose – not the other way around!

 

When seeking my direction, I need to see what God is already doing – in my life and all around me. My business, my hobbies, my family, my entertainment, my ministry, my life – should all be built around God’s purpose, and I need to be alert to the direction God is heading.

This is part of being watchful and alert in prayer. 

First I pray for direction,

Then I watch, listen, study, seek, looking for signs that point me to the direction of God,

Then I follow!

Prayer is an active process – talking, listening, waiting, receiving, moving – a playlist on repeat! It involves praise, confession, pleading, pouring out, taking in, thanksgiving and more! Prayer is a constant conversation, an ongoing relationship, an unbroken bond between the Father and me as I reach up for the hand that is always extended and ready.

 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Yes, asking for God’s wisdom should always be the first step. But may I never forget that asking is only a part of the process. I need to stay in the mode of praying – watchful and alert – as He responds with wisdom to light the path, one step at a time.

 

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Psalm 119:105