“[Romans 6:13] is a prayer of presenting ourselves to God. As Christians, we have a deep intention and love of God in our souls. But this intention is often commandeered by the contrary habits and intentions of our hearts, formed in the flesh, to navigate life on our own.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe
“Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God”- Romans 6:13 (NLT)
In Chapter 6 (“Intending to Be with God”) of Where Prayer Becomes Real, Kyle Strobel and John Coe discuss the prayer of intention. This prayer serves to redirect your heart so you relearn how to walk with the Spirit. Instead of walking in the old habits of the flesh. John explains:
“Whether we are confronted with a joyful reality . . . or a sorrow-filled reality . . . our hearts immediately turn to their training. This programming of our hearts leads us to our own internal resources of coping strategies and not to Christ. What the heart needs is retraining to faith, hope, and love of the Lord. We must begin with a conscious decision to redirect our hearts to God.”
Therefore, to intend to be with God means you actually intend to show up in His presence. Not try to use God in order to have life on your own terms. So, as the struggles of the day confront you, throughout the day present yourself to the Lord with another new intention. John explains:
“Everyday hold unanticipated surprises, so we must intend to be with the Lord in all things. We lead with our intention to be with God in the fulness of life so we can be present to what confronts us as an opportunity to turn to him. . . . We bring many things before the Lord to seek his guidance as to how we should be present to them.”
Today’s question: Have you ever prayed a prayer of presenting yourself to God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Recollection – grounded in Christ’s light”
