Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional
The Set Aside Prayer

By Bobby Davis October 3

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10

Do you remember the last time you were really excited about something? Was it a trip, a new addition to the family, or maybe an unexpected gift? One thing is for certain; as children, our eyes would dance with eagerness and excitement at the thought of learning something new! Maybe it was the day we learned how to make papier-mâché, or some cool facts about the moon. Perhaps it was discovering stuff about nature, or trying out a musical instrument. I believe God built an insatiable curiosity into each of us from the very beginning. Imagine Adam and Eve as they walked and talked with God each day. What did they ask Him? How exciting it must have been when they put things together for the first time, or added another layer of understanding onto something. As much as they enjoyed their work in the garden, that special question and answer time with God must have been their favorite time of the day.

How sad that we have lost that privilege...or have we? Does God still want to instruct us? Psalm 32:8 says yes! Just look at David’s inspired lyrics, “ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”​

So why don’t we hear Him? Maybe we’re not really listening for His instruction. Maybe, like the Pharisees of old, we’ve decided we know everything spiritually. Or, worse yet, maybe we’re convinced that we know enough to get us by—whatever that may be! Have we become so comfortably smug and self-assured we know “the truth” that we cannot consider the fact that God is always trying to increase our understanding?

Maybe.

There’s a well-known prayer used by many alcoholics and addicts in recovery which, believe it or not, can help those of us who have never had to deal with their problems. It’s a simple prayer asking God to set aside what they think they know in order to learn what He wants them to know.​

Here’s a revised version that is sure to be answered by our loving Father. Try it for awhile and watch Him smile as He opens new horizons, grants you deeper understanding, and pours out His blessings on you:​

“Dear God, please set aside everything I think I know about myself, my fellow man, the Bible, about all spiritual terms—but especially about you, dear God, so that I might have an open mind and a new experience with all these things. Please help me see the truth. Amen.”