The Formula for Productive Prayers
In our Wednesday evening Bible study last night, we were looking at Psalm 62. Like many of the other psalms, I related to David’s ups and downs as he worked through this prayer song. I also recognized trends in my own prayer life that made me smile and helped me see what a productive prayer time should look like (plus or minus a few elements). Let’s walk through it together.
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. - Psalm 62:1-2
David starts off determined to get his frame of mind in order and his emotions on track. He forces himself to focus on God and the truths he knows about God. But before those truths can sink in and really improve his attitude, his wayward thoughts take over and lead him on a rant.
How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. - Psalm 62:3-4
With all the opposition David faced in his lifetime, he is understandably frustrated by those who are determined to see him suffer. He’s discouraged by the betrayal of friends and family. He’s tired of running for his life. Despite God’s goodness, David doesn’t feel like things are good in his life. Fortunately, the psalmist recognizes the detour of his mind and renews his efforts to focus only on God and His truths, practically repeating the first two verses of his prayer.
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. - Psalm 62:5-7
David shakes off the pity party and begins to praise God for His goodness and protection. He uses terms like rock, defense, and refuge to remind himself that though he’s been hunted, God has kept him safe from harm. As He reminds Himself of God’s grace and mercy, His mood finally shifts as does his outlook. Up to this point, his prayer has been very self-focused. Help me. God is my refuge. God is my rock. I won’t be moved. But, once David gets his eyes off himself and on God, he begins to include others in his prayer and praise and shares with them the lesson he learned through His time with God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work. - Psalm 62:8-12
David encourages others to join him in praising the Lord and reminds everyone that God is our refuge, no longer just his. He encourages them not to put their trust in man, riches, or circumstances because they’ll only be disappointed. The psalmist assures them that all power belongs to God and that He is a good and righteous judge. Vengeance belongs to Him.
One of my favorite things about the Bible is that it’s not full of perfect people with effortless faith. No, it shows us the good, bad, and ugly. It gives us accounts of real people with real problems, and I don’t know about you, but that gives me hope.
I, like David, am prone to distraction in my prayer time. I start out fine, but in the process of praying for something or someone, my emotions take over and I end up on a rant. I get myself worked up to the point of frustration when the Lord gently nudges me back on track. Then, just like the psalmist, I start over again. Sometimes (well, usually if I’m honest), this process occurs several times during my prayer, but at some point, after rehearsing the truth of God’s love, goodness, and mercy over and over again, something within me shifts. The negative emotions begin to flee, and my self-centered thinking changes. Suddenly, I’m praising God with ALL my heart and praying for those around me (including those I was just ranting about).
As far as I’m concerned, that’s a productive prayer. Was it eloquent? Absolutely not. Was it pretty? Um, no. Was it a picture of poise and grace? Not in any way, shape, or form. But it was real. I got real with God, then with myself. And while the prayer may not have changed my situation or the people around me, the important thing is it changed me. It softened my heart. It redirected my focus. It turned my pity to praise.
Often, I’m tempted to skip my prayer time or hurry through it because it feels like wasted time. Some days it doesn’t feel like it makes a difference, and to be honest, some days it doesn’t because I don’t give it time. I get lost in my rants and fail to give the process the time required to get back on track. Maybe you can relate.
What I learned from Psalm 61 is a formula for productive prayer. 1) Be real. Don’t be afraid to tell it like it is (or at least, like you feel it is). God’s tough. He can handle it. 2) Be prepared to spend the time it takes until you feel that shift in your attitude and outlook. 3) Once you’ve received that “heavenly thump,” share it with others. Encourage them just as you were encouraged.
I wish I could tell you that every one of my prayer sessions was productive, but that’s not true. Most days, prayer is still a battle for me. I struggle with distractions. I fight with myself. I worry about getting everything else done if I don’t hurry up. Seriously, I’m a mess! But on those days I allow myself a Psalm 61 kind of prayer time, I walk away from my time with the Lord feeling pumped and ready to face whatever the day throws at me. My attitude is brighter. My interactions with others go more smoothly. All in all, it’s just better. Try it and see if you feel the same.