As we petition God’s guidance and intervention, our requests and concerns are deeply rooted in the perception of two identities. Cultivating a rich prayer life requires understanding who God is and who God created us to be.

The ways of the world are based on image and exterior appearance.  Years ago, actor Fernando Lamas stated “It is better to look good than to feel good.” Modern social media can further fuel those fires. If Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram posts are any indication everyone is living a luxurious lifestyle constant of health and wealth. However, when life changes and the posts slow down or stop – “going dark” borders on an outright admission of facing difficulty. If you notice this occurring with someone you know, say a prayer for them. They may be going through a light shower or a major storm, but prayer can only help them – God knows exactly what they need. The end of 1 Samuel 16:7 says “Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.”

When we go before the Lord in prayer, there are two views that matter – your view of God and your view of yourself. Consider this:

Your view of God – Who is God to you? Who do you believe Him to be? When you go before the Lord in prayer, begin by acknowledging all that you know God to be. The bible describes Him extensively. This is only a partial list. Visit your local bible for more characteristics! Psalm 103 provides a wonderful synopsis of who God is and what He does. The bible also explicitly states that God is:

• Love – Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. -1 John 4:8
• Light – This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. -1 John 1:15
• Spirit – God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. -John 4:24
• Patient, Generous – For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. -Psalm 30:5
• Shield, Refuge – This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. -Psalm 18:30
• Present, Strong, Loyal, Supportive – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -Isaiah 41:10
• Great, worthy – For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. -Psalm 96:4
• Holy – But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. -1 Peter 1:15

Your view of yourself – Who are you? What are the best things about you? What are the areas where you need to grow? Who did God create you to be? When you go before the Lord in prayer, declare who you are according to God, not the world. The bible says you are:

• God’s children – Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. -John 1:12
  See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. -1 John 3:1
• Created in God’s image – So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. -Genesis 1:27
• Chosen, Royal, Holy – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9
• Wonderful – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14
• A Leader – The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. -Deuteronomy 28:13
• Victorious – No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.-Romans 8:37

When troubling situations arise, I encourage you to remind yourself of who you are and who God is. Pray according to your kingdom identity instead of however the world elects to label you.