I didn’t know that I was hiding. I’ve always been good at praying.
Or so I thought.
My daddy left when I was seven. I’ve always looked to God as my Father, my provider. I didn’t realize God wanted to be more than just my provider.
God longed to be my soul’s confidante. Deep where I felt lonely — where I struggled to receive and make space for me — God wanted me to rest as His beloved.
Because at the end of the day, even though I had accomplished a lot, I didn’t feel like I had fully lived. Because what I really wanted, I didn’t make space for: peace and joy. I did not nurture my soul with God.
I found it easier to take care of others and get things done for God, rather than be vulnerable with my needs.
But God is showed me prayer is an intimate soul conversation to be loved and known, rather than a spiritual transaction to be made better.
Praying touches the part of me that is in process, uncertain, full of questions and doubts.
That is why praying is hard to do. And when I didn’t know how to pray, it made me feel ashamed.
Jesus understands and whispers –
Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
Although this is Scripture, in our Christian culture, our desert prayer times are often met with well-meaning encouragement like, “Relationship with God isn’t a feeling.”
Although partially true, this can de-humanize our connection with God. The psalmist reminds us there are no easy answers.
He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. (Psalm 103:14)
Sometimes, it takes more faith to tell God we don’t know how to pray — rather than praying for faith to pray like we used to.
This is how I began to discover…
To Be Continued… Scroll down to read the rest of the blog post.
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Read the Rest 5 Ways to Pray When You’re Too Stressed to Know How
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2 Comments
Reading 5 ways to pray today, made the living water flow more freely, as I actually not only believed but, experienced active faith since my husbands recent open heart surgery on june 26th, 2017. Having no control, as wives often like to have, I had to totally rely upon god, trusting him at every issue, I have proven Him, and continue to be stretched in developing a much deeper and intimate ongoing walk. Your message helped confirm the recent struggles I faced with being too exhauated to pray. Yet, I rested on the everlasting arms of our most tender savior, and lover of our soul. This message is the most comforting and nurturing I have ever read. Truly inspired by the holy spirits love. Thank you.
thank you for sharing, Lynn! may God bless you and reassure you He is with you – as you help your husband recover. Many blessings!!