Praying for yourself

JCFantasy23

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My mother still goes to a women's group from our church from time to time. The last meeting was about prayer, and the women said that they "knew we don't pray for ourselves, but for others...", but my mother made a joke that she prays for herself all the time.

I agree with her - I pray for my own needs, confusion and struggles all the time. Apparently this was not the norm in this group, so it got me thinking. Does anyone here also think it is wrong to pray for yourself? Do you feel guilty or wrong doing so?
 

bèlla

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There was a season when my quiet time was lengthy and I would address my needs last. However, by the time I reached my issues I was very spent. I was neglecting myself in deference to others. But I recognized the error and made adjustments. I cover my issues first and those related to business and move outward from that point. And I put myself on multiple prayer lists each month. :)
 
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ilovejcsog

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My mother still goes to a women's group from our church from time to time. The last meeting was about prayer, and the women said that they "knew we don't pray for ourselves, but for others...", but my mother made a joke that she prays for herself all the time.

I agree with her - I pray for my own needs, confusion and struggles all the time. Apparently this was not the norm in this group, so it got me thinking. Does anyone here also think it is wrong to pray for yourself? Do you feel guilty or wrong doing so?
I used to feel selfish to pray for myself but am slowly beginning to although the majority are for others. I decided I better do some for myself because if I don't who will, lol.
 
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topher694

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There are many different types of prayer. Praying for others is one type. Praying for yourself is another. Nothing wrong with any of them.

In fact, take it a step further. The simple definition of prayer is communicating with God. Which involves talking AND listening. I'd say it's extremely important to take time to listen to God for yourself.
 
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Dave G.

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I agree, we actually must pray for ourselves. "Lord be with me on this", " forgive me Father in heaven" etc. etc. Patience would be another one, trusting God another. I include prayer for myself in the middle of prayer for someone else because I saw something in my prayer for the other that should really be addressed even in my own life. It doesn't have to be lengthy and drawn out. We need that constant contact don't we ? It keeps us humble if nothing else.

Recently I had surgery, I prayed regularly about that surgery headed into it. More than anything I prayed He be with me and for peace in my heart over the surgery and over my medical team as well.. He was faithful. The opening words to Psalm 23 kept coming to me, not that it was about death but peace, comfort in my soul. And for some reason the Lords prayer kept going through my head at 2 am. I was using these as prayer for myself over something concerning me. In my hospital bed after the surgery I felt such peace and was able to witness to someone else while there because I felt so covered and calm. Had I not had this peace could I have been of any use at all, an unlikely guy in a gown, 5" slash down the neck, drain tube and cup in place speaking about God with full assurance that what was being said was needed to be said ? The person was all ears. How does that make sense, only the HS arranges these things and If we don't communicate, how can there be results ?
 
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Mark Dohle

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I pray for a loving heart, for a heart of flesh and not of stone. For mercy, which is often needed. To love oneself implies that we will pray for ourselves as well. Compassion for oneself leads to compassion for others since it is based on self-knowledge (humility).

Peace
Mark
 
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