The Root Cause of a Lazy Prayer Life...

Maybe the root cause of a lax prayer life is deception.  Maybe we don't get down on our knees and pray over our kids because we forget that their enemy is full time on thinking of ways to cloud their thoughts with junk so that they cannot hear the voice of God.

I've been so convicted lately.  I am comfortable with praying with people in any setting.  A restaurant, a coffee shop, in the middle of campus; thats easy.

But why do I feel awkward when my wife asks me to pray with her?

When I traced this feeling back to a root cause, I ended up at self-deception.  I chose to believe that the enemy is on the move everywhere else besides in my home.  But I think the opposite is true.

I think this is a huge tests for spiritual maturity.  Here's a question for all those (married folk) who think they're spiritually mature.  Do you pray with your spouse?

On top of that, I'm feeling the conviction I heard during one of Professor Howard Hendricks' class: "Gentlemen, if it doesn't work in your house, DONT export it."

Last week, I prayed with my spouse.  Holding hands.  On the floor.  In all seriousness.  On top of that, she was the one that initiated.  Before, I would have chosen to be offended (i.e. how dare a woman take the lead, etc... a bunch of junk like that).  Now, I'm thanking God that he has changed my heart.  Now, I know where those thoughts come from and I have all the means and ways to take those thoughts captive and expose them.  Now, I'm not afraid to tell the world of the thoughts I had yesterday.  I'm free.

This is the kind of change that the Gospel has brought in my life.  I know the enemy is after my kids.  So, I spend time on my knees praying over them.

I sent a text to my buddy Sean a few days ago.  It was about hate and pride in my heart.  He shot back right away, "humble yourself bro.  Die to yourself...prayers being sent your way."  THAT is the kind of prayer coverage I need.  There is power in prayer.  Prayer is our way to ask God for stuff.  And I can't think of anything better to ask for than HIS perspective on my situation.  HIS eyes for the world.  HIS thoughts.

Men, go grab your wife and pray for God's thoughts to be yours...Let God love your wife through you today.