Specificity.

I completely enjoy that word.

First of all, I think it’s enormously fun to say (the more syllables a word has, the better in my book). Secondly, I value it’s meaning.

Especially when it comes to prayer.

Early in my Christian walk, I tended to pray quite generically.

“Lord, bless so and so…”

“Father, touch this or that person…”

“Jesus, please help me not x, y, or z…”

It took a bit for me to realize those buckshot style prayers lacked power because they lacked clarity. They covered everything and nothing all at the same time.

Luke 18 tells the story of a blind man who knew the value of specificity.

He was desperate, he was emotional, and he knew precisely what he wanted.

He was sitting on the side of a road when he heard the commotion of a crowd coming through. When he discovered it was because Jesus was coming down the road, he began to cry out.

Jesus heard him and stopped to address the man.

“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The man’s reply?

“I want to see.” (vs. 41 CSB)

Four concise words that conveyed exactly what he wanted. No extra verbiage needed. And it was there, in that four-word prayer that Jesus met him, answered him, and gave him his sight.

If you find yourself wondering how to elevate the power of your prayers, this is it! Exchange the generic for laser-focused specificity!

What is it you really want God to do for you today?

Where do you really need to have Him show up and move?

Be clear. Be bold. Be specific. And then, be expectant.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!