These are the kinds of prayers that we need to have for our families, our friends, our churches, and our own lives. Our prayers need to be far more gospel-centered and far less self-centered.
Again, I’m not saying it is bad to pray about the needs of your life. In fact, God tells us we should come to him with all things. But if this is the only conversation we are having with God, then maybe we are not as focused on Jesus and what he came to do as we think.
2. What Current Sin Are You Struggling With?
Part of the sanctification process is Jesus working in our lives and hearts to make us more like him. He was sinless and blameless. The more we walk with Jesus the more we see the work of sanctification in us.
Our goal is that those sins that we once struggled with no longer tempt us in the slightest. This is a gift from Jesus. He is powerful to transform us to the very core of who we are.
But we must live cautiously to never grow arrogant in our sanctification. When what we deem as “large” sins are removed from our lives, we might not see the “little” ones as anything to worry about. Instead, we turn around and see the “large” sins in everyone else’s life. It becomes far too easy to view your present state of sanctification as if you’ve arrived.
When it comes to our sin, we should see it for what it is—sin. Whether it’s big or small. We’re all struggling and in desperate need of a Savior.
Recognizing the sin in your life is important, because it means you are continuously in desperate need of Jesus.
3. Are People More Familiar With What Your Faith Is Against Or What It’s For?
Growing in the knowledge and truth of God is a true blessing. As your eyes are being open and truth is being revealed, you think, How did I ever live another way? We begin to see the world for what it really is and how far it has drifted away from God’s intentions. This is the work of Christ in your life. And that is a beautiful thing.
But we must be cautious in how we declare these truths. Of course, we should never waiver on the truth. But if the only thing we ever do is point out how people are not living the way they’re supposed to, then we’ve missed it. Jesus constantly talks about sharing the truth in love.
As Christians, our goal should not be to educate the world on everything they’re doing wrong. That’s not Jesus. Our desire should be to point them to Jesus through our faith.
If non-Christians are far more aware of all the things your faith doesn’t agree with than the purpose God has given you, then maybe we are missing the mission Jesus sent us on.
4. What Has God Done In Your Life Recently?
Often times this question is answered with a story about how God saved your life. Which is always going to be a good answer. But it’s not the only answer. The moment you put your faith in Jesus is not the sum total of everything Jesus has done or will do in your life.
