Session 4
God knows more about what your people need than you do
From Win at Home: A 14-Day Devotional
We ask God to do lots of things in the lives of those we love, but when’s the last time you asked God what He wants to do in the lives of those around you?
We all have ideas of what we think would be best for our spouses, our kids, our roommates, our friends. But God knows more about what our people need than we do. And if our ideas aren’t aligned with God’s plans, it can feel a bit like dancing offbeat.
All prayer is good, just like all dancing is fun. But when you’re moving in sync rather than stepping on each other’s feet, it’s a whole different experience. The same is true when it comes to prayer. The only thing more powerful than praying for those in your home is partnering with God in praying for the people in your home.
So how do we do this? Start by trying to listen as much you speak. Proverbs 3:5 tells us not to try to figure things out on our own but to let the Lord lead.
When you dance with a partner, whether it’s the tango or the two-step, there can only be one lead. Likewise, if we want to partner with God in prayer, we can’t both lead. Listen for God’s voice. Ask what He wants for your loved ones and friends, then follow that direction — even if it doesn’t initially make sense.
Next, share your concerns. What do you fear for the ones you love? Confess those things to God. Tell Him your worries and ask for His help. “Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down” (Philippians 4:6-7, MSG).
Praying this way changes us as much as it changes the people around us. Like a dancer learning to let go of fear, you’ll find that you stop thinking about the steps and start to move with the beat of His heart.
Reflect:
- Do your prayers feel more like conversations or monologues? Did you read anything today that you could try the next time you pray?
- When’s the last time you asked God what He wants for your people? Take a few minutes today, and ask Him to give you a word or a verse for the people in your home. Write down what comes to mind and ask the Holy Spirit to confirm it as you pray over the next several days.