Before I pray

Listen here:

I have the habit of using a book of prayers to pray for my children. It was early in the morning and my coffee had kicked in. I was agreeing with the prayer completely. The next thing the author wrote grabbed my heart: 

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” Romans 12:10 (NKJV)

 

I stopped my prayer and I thought about what I was doing. I was not showing honor by giving preference. 

How was I going to ask God to allow my children to do something I wasn’t doing myself?

The previous night wasn’t easy. I was heavy-hearted. I had a few complaints (there I go again!) and I tried to let God know about them. I’m often too tired to stay up all night worrying about my worries, so I went to sleep. 

I woke up 30 minutes earlier than usual. My routine was the same until I ran into Romans 12:10. I stopped doing what I was doing and I felt convicted of my wrong. 

I compare this conviction to looking in a mirror. God’s word is like a mirror. Every mirror requires a response. 

My response at that moment was yes. I also decided to write down Romans 12:10 by hand and look at it during breakfast. I changed my actions and thoughts. No matter how hard it was, I was committed to show honor. Throughout the day, I asked myself, “how does honor show up in my current situation?” 

Showing honor and giving preference reminds me of the experience of a guest at the Ritz-Carlton. I greet the person with a warm and sincere greeting. I use the person’s name. I anticipate and fulfill the person’s needs. I give a fond farewell. I give a warm goodbye and use the person’s name. There’s more to it of course. With every action and reaction, the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity and commitment are included. If Jesus was to summarize it, He’d say, “I told you in John 13:35.” 

 

I have a lot of work to do. Good thing God stopped me that morning, in the middle of my prayer, and told me to show honor and give preference as a way of life. 

 

Read Romans 12:10 once again. “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” Romans 12:10 (NKJV)

Which relationships in your life do not reflect this? How can you take the first step of obedience to the Lord in this area?