“Because of” before “Pursuit of”

And Hannah prayed and said:

“My heart rejoices in the LORD;
My horn is exalted in the LORD.
I smile at my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation”

Have you heard the term “Fox hole prayer”? It’s when you feel your in deep trouble and your prayer comes with a desperate promise to do something for God if He delivers you from the present danger. I’ve recently been touched by a portion of scripture that demonstrates wholehearted worship and a pattern we can use to approach God. Hannah is responding to the goodness of God, “Because of” what God has done. Fox hole prayers are in “Pursuit of” something you want.

There are times when we make petitions to God for a need of desire. We often go to bat for a specific prayer request where we storm the gates of Heaven on behalf of ourselves, someone or something. These are supplications which are greatly needed and important. However, I think if our prayers were generated out of an adoration or acknowledgment of what God has already done, we can make our supplications more fruitful and meaningful, leaving us comforted and secure.

In 1^st Samuel chapter 2 Hannah is praising God for the answered prayer of the birth of Samuel. Hannah was troubled and even bitter in heart when she petitioned before the Lord for a child, even offering him back to the Lord if God would answer her. Hannah returned from the Temple where her and her husband’s next move was to worship the God of Heaven.

“Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her.”

I have adapted a pattern that I try to use when praying, it’s an acronym “ACTS”. The A is for Adoration, worshiping God for who He is, “Because of”. Next is C, confession, acknowledging that it’s God’s grace and mercy and nothing within me. The T is for thanksgiving, praising God for what He’s has already done, another “Because of”. Finally, S, supplications, this is where we come to God with certainty because of the preamble process of approaching God’s throne we can be confident that whatever the outcome of our prayers, God will bring about good in “All things”. Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org