I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. John 17:4-5 NASB
Do you feel selfish and self-centered when you pray for yourself? I did for many years. My pastor had made me feel guilty about praying for just “me and mine.” It seems to me that Jesus prayed for Himself in the garden of gethsemane, and He is our example.
Our time spent engaging with the heart of God for ourselves is what fuels our love for others. Our love relationship with God needs to be right before we can have an impact on the needs of others. We cannot drum up love for others in our own nature.
Unless we press into God and discover our identity in Him, we have no power to pray for others. Only in His presence will we understand our authority in Jesus Christ. Then, and only then, will we see His power demonstrated as we pray.
When Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, He modeled a prayer with personal petitions (Matt 6:9-13). Jesus was highlighting God’s nearness, His care and concern for our day-to-day struggles. Jesus’ model for prayer advocated a close, personal relationship between you and God.
Of course, during your intimate times of prayer with God, He may lay other people and concerns on your heart. Rather than feeling shame for praying over “me and mine,” I would contend that God places people in your life to pray for them. They are your prayer assignment.
So, I am encouraging us all pray for “me and mine.” The scripture supports it. Of course, as we spend hours connecting with God’s heart for “me and mine,” His love will naturally flow out of us to others. Praise God!