Praying the IOU’s, Part 1

October, 2007

by: Brodie McClain

Have you ever felt distant from the Lord? Have you ever wondered if you suffer from schizophrenia of the heart, feeling as if there are dual powers within you dragging you along? Have you ever felt just plain down or as if your prayers just bounce off the ceiling? If your answer is, “Yes, I’ve felt that way before,” then you are probably not a Christian.

Just kidding. Feeling that way is a clear sign you may be a Christian but have not achieved your glorified state yet and thus are still in the process of growth. The better question is really: What is the best thing to do during these times of struggle? In this article I would like to address one part of the solution and that is: pray strategically. There is a very simple acronym that takes you to the heart of this struggle: IOUS. The IOUS are simple to memorize and directly from the Scriptures. In fact they are exact prayers that men of old prayed thousands of years ago as they went through similar heart struggles. The IOUS are:

• Incline my heart to your testimonies (Ps 119:36)
• Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law (Ps 119:18)
• Unite my heart to fear Your name (Ps 86:11)
• Satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness (Ps 90:14)

Before we tackle each one individually notice some similarities about all four statements. Each statement is really a command from the psalmist toward God; a plea, a cry, an acknowledgment of need and dependency. Each statement also deals with the inward state of the beggar, an inward state that lacks desire for God’s Word, faith, fear of God, and/or satisfaction. Notice too where the psalmists look for heart-healing, to God’s Word, to His name, to His love.

In the articles to come we will take a closer look at the IOUS, but please start using them right away. They provide a strategic resource when your heart is distant from God, schizophrenic, or just plain down.

• Praying the IOU’s, Part 1
• Praying the IOU’s, Part 2
• Praying the IOU’s, Part 3
• Praying the IOU’s, Part 4
• Praying the IOU’s, Part 5
• Praying the IOU’s, Part 6