Topic: How to Pray About Everything [RICK WARREN Devotional 4 September 2021]

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How to Pray About Everything

BY RICK WARREN — SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

Philippians 4:6 (NLT)Yesterday we talked about using your left hand to help you remember who to pray for. Today we’ll look at your right hand and how it can help you know what to pray for.

Just like your left hand, your thumb is closest to your heart when you hold up your right hand. So the first thing you pray for is—that’s right—your heart. The Bible says to guard your heart, because it controls your life. Everything flows from the heart! Ask God to reveal any sin you need to confess so you can get your heart right with him.

In the United States, we usually use our index finger to signal the number one. Use that finger to remind you to pray for your priorities and schedule. Ask God to show you what’s most important so that you can make it a priority in your life. If you’re not praying about your schedule, God isn’t blessing your schedule.

Your tallest finger, the middle finger, is the one that stands out. It reminds you to pray for your influence. Pray that when people see you, they will see how God has worked in your life. Ask God to make you an example of his love. Ask him to give you greater influence so you can use it for good.

The ring finger reminds you to pray for your relationships. Be specific as you talk to God about your friends, spouse, children, colleagues, supervisors, ministry partners, and neighbors. Tell him how you want to see those relationships grow and heal and bring him glory.

Finally, your little finger is a reminder to pray for material blessings. There’s nothing wrong with asking God to bless your life materially—it’s just not the most important thing, so it’s the last thing you pray for. Remember, God says you have not because you ask not.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

Have you ever thought, “I can’t pray for five minutes straight”? Just use your hands! By the time you go through each of these steps, you easily will have spent five minutes talking with God.

Be intentional this week about practicing this method throughout each day. Soon you’ll build a habit of prayer that will serve you for the rest of your life.

• Why should you want God to bless your schedule?
• In what areas do you want God to give you greater influence?
• How does confessing sin affect every area of your life?