What happens when we pray? Sometimes my prayers sound more like a lame speech than an inspiring conversation. Sometimes I get sick of hearing myself babble on…sometimes my prayers center around what I need…Not going to lie, most times.
I had a
recent conversation with a friend about how she had trouble asking God for specific
things. I laughed to myself recognizing that I happened to be the queen of self
centered praying. But when I began to think, I realized that a lot of people
struggle with the heart of the matter. Deep down their questions sound like,
“Am I worthy enough?” or “Hasn’t He already given me His life?” “ I’m just not
good enough to receive from Him.”
You see, the
funny thing about grace is that you were never worthy and nothing you can do
will ever change that. Sorry to depress you, but sometimes we just need to open
our hands and accept the gift of grace for what it is…a gift. A gift that we
don’t deserve or could ever earn in our own striving. My son understands at
four years old that I love him regardless of his worst behavior. He doesn’t
question my love or second-guess the gifts I give him. He’s secure in my love
and I think I can learn from him in this area.
We recently shared
with our son that we were in need of a house and we asked him to join us in
praying. Without question of logistics, budget or an explanation of what we
were looking for, he folded his sweet hands and began to pray a bold prayer,
and that house came…3 bedrooms, stainless steel appliances, playroom and a plush
yard. And he didn’t stop there folks…because that boy wanted a swing set and He
knew where to go with his request. Those prayers were uttered again in complete
confidence and four people were stirred to donate to the fund and that lumber
was delivered prophetically. Last minute his grandfathers decided to make an executive
decision to haul the lumber to their workshop and preassemble it and when that
swing-set returned to our home, it wasn’t in as many pieces but rather a large
unit. A seemingly insignificant detail, but this mama heart was in awe because a
four year olds prayer came back to my memory. That boy didn’t just pray for a
swing-set but he prayed that it wouldn’t come in a box but “be picked up and
dropped into his yard.” His dad and I just laughed and now we rejoice, because
God reveals himself in the details, because the God of the universe cares about
the requests of a four year old. The God of miracles sees it fit to use a stack
of lumber to reveal his glory. Just like a father who lavishes his son with
great gifts, not because his son is special but because he is his son. A
newborn does nothing to gain our love, but from the second their lungs fill
with air, we would give our own life for them. They belong to us and we can’t
help but give them our everything.
The same
friend who struggled with praying bold prayers told me about a sweet moment
between her and her daughter at her daughter’s birthday party. She explained in
detail about how her daughter had looked forward to her princess party and snow
white dress for weeks. She explained that when it was time for the party and
she walked her daughter to her room to get ready that her daughter smiled,
trembled and beamed as she clutched her party dress. Her mom recounts the
moment as priceless, totally worth the hours planning, hosting a backyard full
of guests and cleaning up the aftermath. In her words, “that moment made it all
worth it.” And I couldn’t help but think…”that’s exactly what God thinks about us!” Because even when we think our dirty rags disqualify us, all God sees is
our beautiful dress, and he actually delights in giving us good gifts. I’m no
prosperity preacher by any means, but what if our view of God limits us from
experiencing His fullness? What if we treated God like He was just another
character out to judge us or punish us? Grace doesn’t hold a list of wrongs
over our head; grace invites us to the party. Grace makes a prodigal the guest
of honor. Grace invites a prostitute to the table. Grace offers a sinner a way
off the cross. The Bible is full of failures…it just so happens to be the ones that accept the
grace that become the heroes.
So
pray bold prayers…Think like a parent. The way you love your children fiercely
is only multiplied in God’s love for you. Accept the grace and allow Him to use
you to the fullest. Stop striving to earn a gift you’ve already been lavished
with freely. And last but not least…Rock that party dress!
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