Self-Centered vs. God-Centered Prayers
How many of our daily prayers consist of, “God, I need this,” or “God, please do this for me”?
Everything seems to revolve around “I” and what “I” need God to do.
How many of our prayers are self-centered rather than God-centered?
How often do we overwhelm God with our problems and requests instead of taking the time to listen to what He has to say?
How many of us pray more for material gain than for spiritual growth?
Missing God’s Face
Are we so focused on God’s hands that we miss His face?
Are we truly building a relationship with God when we speak to Him?
When was the last time we genuinely expressed our love for God?
When was the last time we shifted our focus away from what we wanted God to be and marveled at everything God already is?
Matthew 6:33 (NLT) says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Seeking God’s Face in Prayer
If we can shift our focus from what we need to seeking God’s presence, we will find that we no longer need to keep asking Him for things.
Everything will fall into place when we learn to seek His face!
1 Chronicles 16:11 (KJV) says, “Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.”
God Is All We Need
God should be the only thing we need and the greatest desire of our hearts.
His presence, love, and power should be the sole pursuits of our lives.
We cannot elevate our relationship with Christ if we remain stuck in the cycle of “I need” prayers.
More Than a Provider
God wants to be #1 in our lives—not just Jehovah Jireh, the Provider, or a “call-when-needed” kind of God.
He longs to be:
Jehovah Rohi – The Lord, our Shepherd.
Jehovah Shalom – The Lord of Peace.
Jehovah El Shaddai – The Almighty God.
Jehovah Adonai – The Lord, our Master.
He desires to be our everything!
Experiencing the Fullness of God
There is so much more to experience in God’s presence, and there is so much more He wants us to experience with Him.
However, this can only happen when we stop seeking God’s hand and start seeking His face!
Three Practical Ways to Seek the Lord Intentionally
1. Prioritize Time with God
Set aside intentional, undistracted time daily to pray, worship, and listen to God.
Start and end your day with Him, inviting His presence into every moment.
2. Spend Time in God’s Word
Study the Bible daily to know God’s heart and hear His voice.
3. Shift Your Focus in Prayer
Instead of focusing on what you need, start your prayers with gratitude and worship.
Ask God to reveal His heart and direction for your prayers.
Raphael R. Roker 