Look Up: Postured for Effective Prayer

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up (Psalm 5:3 KJV).

Two years ago, I was asked to lead a local church in worship by sharing an inspiring message. As is my custom before ministry, I sought the Lord. I inquired of Him in the early hours of the morning concerning the Word He desired for me to bring forth, and He gave me the above scripture. Before the praise and worship session of the service, I shared a very short message from the scripture. Soon after I delivered that brief exhortation, the Lord began speaking to me about sharing this message in a book. I was not sure how that was going to happen. I did not know how such a short verse of scripture could become a book. However, I obeyed, surrendered, and trusted the Lord to bring it to pass. Now, you have this book in your hands. Look at our God!

The Lord drew my attention to a key phrase from Psalm 5:3 - "Look Up." As I meditated on this scripture and the key phrase, in particular, I received direction and greater insight. The phrase "Look up" is broken down into four postures: a Posture of Expectation, a Posture of Faith, a Posture of Focus, and a Posture of Intimacy. This book offers profound insights into these four postures and their various components. Although these postures are examined separately, they are interrelated and work together to achieve a balanced perspective, a fruitful relationship with the Lord, and a victorious lifestyle of prayer.

Although the Psalm 5:3 scripture pertains to prayer, this book not only shares insights for effective prayer but, more importantly, it reveals practical tools for our general walk with the Lord, utilizing biblical principles. This is important because prayer is not an isolated discipline, but an integral part of our overall relationship with the Lord. Our wholehearted love for God and faithful adherence to His precepts form the foundation for effective prayer.

The last chapter of this book extends a salvation opportunity for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is recommended for those who have never had a personal relationship with Christ. It is also for those who have wandered away from Christ but would like to rededicate their lives to Him.

Please be aware that the biblical principles shared in this book are not exhaustive, rather, they only serve as guidelines. I highly recommend spending more time in consistent prayer to God, in the study of His Word, and in fellowship with other believers.

It is my earnest desire and prayer that this book will inspire you to pray effectively. Beyond that, I want you to experience a more intimate and fruitful walk with the Lord, which is the secret to fervent prayers. I also pray that God's overall purpose for this book is fulfilled so His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.