It is so incredibly easy to get stuck in ruts when it
comes to praying for others, especially our families. The same people with reoccurring needs keep
filling up our prayer lists. Those we need to intercede for deeply become rote
one liners in our prayers. Our prayer requests on their behalf, as well as our
own, need focus, depth and direction.
These prayers need to address their greatest need at this time
and in this situation: the Lord’s presence, power and personal
involvement. Whatever the situation,
they need the filling and flowing of the Holy Spirit, which manifests in love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control. (Galatians 5:22,23) Praying
for fruit is a powerful way to pray for those we love or find difficult to love.
This devotional, and the eight to follow, is very
different in format and style than those previously posted. The primary focus is on actually praying the
different attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit for our families or anyone else
who burden our hearts. The attribute will be simply defined, then followed by a
list of recommended Scriptures pertaining to that attribute. Those Scriptures should greatly influence how
that specific attribute is prayed. 1 John 5:14,15 tells us that if we pray in keeping with God’s will, we know He
hears and will answer our prayers.
Praying in line with His word gives us that wonderful confidence. A prayer concludes each posting.
Making it
personal is up to you. You may choose to allow those words to become
your petition, adding your “amen,” which actually means “so be it” or “I am in
agreement,” or use these prayers as a sample on praying each attribute.
To take this even deeper, you may want to apply each
attribute all the different aspects of prayer.
For example, using the wonderful prayer acronym of A.C.T.I.O.N:
A = adoration – Praising the Lord for His demonstration of this
attribute.
C = confession – Honestly confront the lack of this attribute in your
actions, attitude and dependency on God.
Each of these attributes are manifestations of the Holy Spirit in our
lives and absence of this attribute is a clear indication that He is not
filling and flowing in that situation or area of our lives.
T = thanksgiving – Gratitude results from a recognition of grace.
Express your gratitude for how He has manifested this attribute. If lacking, be
grateful how it is available through partnering with Him.
I = intercession – Requesting the manifestation in and for the benefit
of others.
O = obedience – Personal petition, declaring your dependence on Him and your willingness to have Him work in and through your life so this attribute is
consistently manifested.
N = need – Specific situation where this attribute is needed.
Praying for
Fruit: Love
Love: agape = choosing to care and prioritize what is best for them.
Scriptures:
- Psalm 89:13-16
- Psalm 103:8
- 1 John 4:7,16,18
- Jude 21
- Romans 8:35-39
- Ephesians 5:1,2
- Proverbs 10:12
- 1Corinthians 14:1
- 1Corinthians 16:14
- Mark 12:29-31
Heavenly Father, You are Love. The love you have for
us never ceases. Your loving kindness is new every morning. When we screw up
big time your love remains constant and consistent. Even we cannot
separate us from your love. We can turn our back on it, but even in our
willfulness and ignorance you love us even more.
O Lord, my God, may we respond to your amazing
love with love. May my family open their hearts and minds to your love today as
you draw each of us to yourself. Help us to respond to your love by loving you
with all our heart (affection), all our soul (adoration), all our mind
(attention) and with all our strength (actions). May we be so open to
your love that it fills every part of who we are and overflows foremost in love
for you, but also for other, beginning with those in this home. Sometimes it is
easier to love the family next door than it is to love the family in the next
room. Saying we know too much is a lousy excuse, because you know us better
than we know ourselves and that knowledge only increases your love for us. May
what we know multiply our love for each other instead of diminish it with
frustration and anger. Love is a choice. Holy Spirit, help us to make
that often very hard choice.
Father, overwhelm each of us with love. May each one
know that you unconditionally love him/her. Help me to love each of them
unconditionally as well. Lord, help
him/her to love him/herself. So many misbehaviors are smokescreens for
our simply not liking who we are. Love covers a multitude of sins. I need
to remember that as you help me deal graciously with my family. They also need
to remember that as they look at their own lives. Use my words, my demeanor, my
touch, my love to point out and emphasize their worth and lovability. Love
them through me.
Fill me with your Spirit whose fruit is foremost love.
Please give me insight and wisdom to love them as you love them. Today, may each
of us live a life defined by love. With your help and for your glory, I
commit to do everything I do today out of and with love. Thank you for this
amazing privilege. Thank you again for loving me and loving through me.
