Praying Backwards

1. Praying Backwards: Prioritize God's Glory

When we pray “in Jesus’ name,” we pray for his sake more than our own.

Shifted Focus. The book challenges the common practice of ending prayers with "in Jesus' name," suggesting instead that we begin with this phrase. This shift isn't about a formula, but about a fundamental change in our prayer's focus. It's about prioritizing God's glory and purposes over our personal desires. It's a call to examine our motives and ensure that our prayers are not merely wish lists dressed up in spiritual language.

Selfless Petitions. Praying "in Jesus' name" first means we approach God not primarily for our own benefit, but for the sake of Christ's honor. This doesn't mean we shouldn't bring our needs to God, but it does mean that our needs are placed within the context of God's greater plan. It's about aligning our desires with His, recognizing that His will is ultimately what's best for us and for the world. This is a move from a self-centered to a God-centered approach to prayer.

Eternal Perspective. This approach to prayer transforms our perspective. It moves us from seeking temporary relief to seeking eternal purpose. It reminds us that our lives are not about our own comfort or success, but about reflecting the glory of God. It's about seeing our lives as a candle that lights the present darkness and burns for His glory forever.

2. Praying in Jesus' Way: Align with God's Will

Jesus taught us to undergird every request with: “Yet not my will, Lord, but your will be done.”

The Lord's Prayer as a Model. The Lord's Prayer isn't just a set of words to recite; it's a blueprint for how to pray. It begins with a focus on God's holiness and kingdom, then moves to our daily needs, forgiveness, and protection. This order reveals that our prayers should be primarily about God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven. It's a call to align our desires with His.

Beyond Personal Wants. Praying in Jesus' way means moving beyond our personal wants and desires to embrace God's purposes. It's about asking for our daily bread, but also for the spiritual nourishment that enables us to do His will. It's about seeking forgiveness, but also extending it to others. It's about asking for protection from temptation, but also for the strength to resist it.

Submission and Trust. The phrase "not my will, but yours be done" is the heart of praying in Jesus' way. It's an act of submission, acknowledging that God's wisdom is greater than our own. It's an act of trust, believing that His plan is ultimately the best for us. It's a recognition that true fulfillment comes not from getting what we want, but from aligning ourselves with what God wants.

3. Praying Without Doubting: Trust God's Sovereignty

Our belief must be in God. He, not our desire, is the object of our faith.

Faith in God, Not Outcomes. The book clarifies that believing prayer isn't about having unwavering confidence that our specific desires will be met. It's about having unwavering faith in God's character, power, and love. It's about trusting that He will answer our prayers in the way that is best for us and for His glory, even if that answer isn't what we expect or want.

God's Will, Not Our Wishes. Praying without doubting doesn't mean we should never say "not my will, but yours be done." It means we should trust that God's will is always better than our own. It's about acknowledging that we don't have the wisdom to know what's best, but that God does. It's about surrendering our limited understanding to His infinite wisdom.

Sovereignty and Love. The book emphasizes God's sovereignty, reminding us that He is in control and that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. This doesn't mean that we won't face difficulties, but it does mean that we can have peace in the midst of them, knowing that God is working out His perfect plan. It's about trusting that even our disappointments have a purpose.

4. Praying in the Spirit: Access Divine Power

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express and in accordance with God’s will.

Beyond Human Limitations. We often feel inadequate in our prayers, unsure of what to ask for or how to express our deepest longings. The book reveals that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, expressing our needs to God with a fervor and wisdom that surpasses our own. This is a reminder that we are not alone in our prayers.

Conforming to God's Will. The Holy Spirit doesn't just amplify our prayers; He also shapes them, aligning them with God's will. This means that even when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit is working to ensure that our prayers are in accordance with God's purposes. It's a reminder that our prayers are not just about getting what we want, but about becoming who God wants us to be.

Transformation and Power. Praying in the Spirit is not just about getting our prayers answered; it's about being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. It's about having our desires aligned with God's, our hearts filled with His love, and our lives empowered to do His will. It's about recognizing that the Holy Spirit is the power that moves the world and everything in it.

5. Praying Boldly: Approach God as His Child

We may speak with the familiarity, privileges, rights, and voice of the Son of God whenever we pray to the Father in Jesus’ name.

Privileged Access. Through Jesus, we have been adopted into God's family, giving us the right to approach Him with boldness and confidence. We are not approaching a distant, uncaring deity, but a loving Father who delights to hear from His children. This is a reminder that we are not just servants, but sons and daughters of the King.

The Voice of Jesus. When we pray in Jesus' name, we are not just using a formula; we are speaking with His voice. The Holy Spirit, who is united with Jesus, intercedes for us, making our prayers powerful and effective. This is a reminder that our prayers are not just our own, but are empowered by the very Son of God.

Confident Imposition. The book encourages us to pray boldly, not hesitating to bring our needs to God, even when they seem trivial or inconvenient. Like a child who knows their father's love, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that He cares for us and wants to provide for our needs. It's a call to cast all our anxieties on Him, knowing that He cares for us.

6. Praying Expectantly: Believe God Will Answer

We should not let anyone judge our heart when we pray as Jesus did.

Specific and Persistent. Expectant prayer is not vague or passive; it's specific and persistent. It's about bringing our needs to God with the confidence that He will answer, even if the answer isn't what we expect. It's about trusting that He is working all things together for our good and for His glory.

Beyond Our Understanding. God's answers to prayer often go beyond our limited understanding. He may choose to answer in ways that we don't expect or that don't make sense to us at the time. But we can trust that His answers are always perfect, even when they are difficult to accept. It's about recognizing that His ways are higher than our ways.

Eternal Perspective. Expectant prayer is not just about getting our needs met in this life; it's about seeking God's eternal purposes. It's about trusting that He will answer our prayers in a way that brings glory to Jesus and furthers His kingdom. It's about seeing our lives as part of a larger story that extends beyond this world.

7. Praying Persistently: Never Give Up

We should not grow impatient or become discouraged. We should never give up, fear offending, or hesitate simply because we have already prayed.

Beyond Immediate Results. The book acknowledges that God doesn't always answer our prayers immediately. Sometimes, He requires us to persist in prayer, to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. This isn't because He is reluctant to answer, but because He is working out His perfect plan in His perfect timing.

Trusting God's Timing. Persistent prayer is an act of trust, believing that God will answer in His own time and in His own way. It's about surrendering our impatience and embracing His perfect timing. It's about recognizing that His delays are not denials, but opportunities for growth and deeper dependence on Him.

Spiritual Growth. The book reveals that persistent prayer is not just about getting our prayers answered; it's about being transformed by the process. It's about learning to trust God more deeply, to depend on Him more fully, and to align our desires with His. It's about recognizing that the journey of prayer is as important as the destination.

8. Praying in God's Will: Seek Righteousness and Prudence

To pray in accord with God’s will, we do not need to pretend to see all the details of the road into the future.

Biblical Fences. The book introduces the concept of "fences" to guide our prayers. The fence of righteousness ensures that our prayers are in accordance with God's moral standards. The fence of prudence ensures that our prayers are wise and responsible, considering the impact on ourselves and others.

Beyond Black and White. Praying in God's will isn't always about choosing between right and wrong; it's often about choosing between two good options. In these situations, we need to seek God's wisdom to discern which option will best serve His purposes. It's about recognizing that not all choices are morally equal, but that all choices should be made with God's glory in mind.

Obedience and Trust. Praying in God's will is not just about asking for what we want; it's about submitting to His authority and trusting His guidance. It's about recognizing that His will is always better than our own, even when it's difficult to understand. It's about aligning our desires with His and trusting that He will lead us in the path that is best.

9. Praying Forward: Partner with God's Kingdom

When we pray, he applies vast resources of heaven’s wealth and power to our world to accomplish Christ’s purposes.

More Than a Conversation. Prayer is not just a personal conversation with God; it's a powerful force that moves His kingdom forward. It's a means by which God applies His resources to our world, accomplishing His purposes through our petitions. It's a reminder that our prayers are not just words, but instruments of divine power.

Co-Creators with God. Through prayer, we become co-creators with God, shaping the world around us according to His will. Our prayers are not just about changing our circumstances; they are about changing the world. It's a call to recognize the power and responsibility that comes with the privilege of prayer.

Eternal Impact. The book emphasizes that our prayers have an eternal impact, extending beyond our own lives and into the lives of others. It's about recognizing that our prayers are not just about our present needs, but about the future of God's kingdom. It's a call to pray with a vision that extends beyond this world and into eternity.

Last updated: January 14, 2025