Does Knowing Who You Are In Christ Have an Impact on Your Prayer Life?

Who are you in Christ?

What's your actual, true identify? And how does knowing who you are in Him impact the way that you pray?

Since we know that Jesus will come at a day and an hour when He is least expected (see Luke 12:40, Matthew 24:44), are we devoting ourselves to pray as we ought to, so that when he comes, we won't be surprised by the suddenness of His coming? (In 1 Thessalonians 5:2, we read: For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ~ See also Revelation 16:15, Matthew 24:43, 1 Thessalonians 5:4, 2 Peter 3:10.)

Are we keeping watch over our house, spiritually, in the same way we keep watch over our physical house? Is the oil in the lamp? (See the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew chapter 25.)

These are hard questions, but they need to be asked.

When our identity is truly fixed and focused on Jesus, our praying shifts into another gear. When I am at ease, secure in who He says that I am, my praying is more focused on bringing Him glory, in seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and on staying in step with the Spirit. The same is true for you.

Our identity matters, because when our identity is misplaced (in anything outside of Christ), we live askew. And then, of course, we end up praying askew. Our prayers become more self-focused, perhaps even bordering on becoming self-absorbed, and we pray with a desire to obtain security...which is, of course, something that we already have because of Jesus. (But we don't see or think clearly when our identity is "wobbly" - and so, we do not live in the comfort of true security.)

Think about your job, your work life. How do you go about your daily work? Are you flippant, careless, checked out? Probably not, as that would lead to serious negative consequences. Now, apply this to your prayer life. Would you say you're dialed in, or somewhat flippant? Are you careless in your prayer time, or careful and attentive? Are you checked in, or checked out?

Would you enjoy a conversation with someone if they conversed with you the way that you talk to God when you pray? How does it play out when you have a good, honest, healthy conversation with someone that makes you feel totally seen, known, and whom you are secure with? And how does it play out when that is not the case?

In Christ, you are secure. So, pray accordingly!