When I pray for others, I ask for them to be comforted, strengthened and healed. But when I pray for myself, my approach is completely different.
When I pray for myself I don’t ask God to take my trials and sorrows away (see reference #1). Instead, I thank God for them all (2).
This might initially sound strange. However, praying for myself is my opportunity to ask God to help me accept and face each challenge squarely. God then helps me to work out how to deal with each problem in consciously assertive, proactive ways, whilst strengthening me to change, as I put these new approaches into practice (3).
I am then able to take responsibility for tackling each issue in line with God’s will (4).
As I start to change my approach and take action, I experience a growing sense of healing and relief (5).
Over the days, weeks, months and years that follow, as I learn to put each new way forward into practice, I give thanks, because I know that God is working to bring about good for me through everything that happens in my life (6).
References
1. I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:32-3; NLT).
2. 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; NIV).
3. You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall (2 Samuel 22:29; NIV).
4. I want your will to be done, not mine (Luke 22:42; NLT).
I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart (Psalm 40:8; NIV).
5. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:10; NIV).
6. In all things God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28; NIV).