“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).

There are different types of prayers. 

Free-form prayers are prayers you say as the words come into your mind.

There are also set prayers. These are where the words are always the same. An example would be the Lord’s Prayer.

Over time, I’ve written some short prayers that are ‘set’ in form. I reuse them frequently. Like any prayer that is pre-written, it’s easy to fall into a trap of just going through the motions. Obviously, we need to guard against that. But when we’re conscious of what we’re doing, they can be a helpful way to focus. 

I’d like to share one with you. It’s short, rhymes, and is easy to memorize.

“Give us zealous delight
in rest or fight
for you, your word, your way.”

Let me explain by starting at the end. 

Ultimately, it is a prayer to be in tune with God himself, with his word, and with his way. 

Being in tune with his word is thinking, talking and acting in a way which is consistent with Scripture. Being in tune with his way is thinking, talking and acting in a way which is lock-step with the footsteps of Jesus.

The phrase ‘in rest or fight’ means we want these things no matter what we’re doing—whether we’re having some down time or are engaged in a spiritual battle. 

‘Zeal’ is focused passion. There are times when zeal is misplaced or misguided. This, however, is about being enthusiastic for all the right things.

The word ‘delight’ is about our attitude. We don’t want to begrudge God, but strive after his word and way with a smiling satisfaction.

Perhaps this short prayer can be a resource for you—perhaps on an ongoing basis, or perhaps just for today.

Whatever you do, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Lord, 
Give us zealous delight
in rest or fight
for you, your word, your way.
Amen.

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Notes:

—You’re invited! If you don’t have a church home for Christmas Eve and you’re close to Barrie, Ontario, join me at Westminster Church. We have two services: (a) The Super Family-Friendly Christmas Eve, and (b) The Traditional Candlelit Service. Click here to learn more. 

–“Embracing Digital Ministry in the Church.” That’s the name of an article in Vocations Magazine. I was interviewed recently for it and provide insights and best practices. I think it would be mostly of interest to leaders in the church, but of course anyone can check it out. Here it is.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.