Permeated Prayers
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5 (NIV)
ME: Jesus, sometimes I feel embarrassed when I pray out loud. I don’t know what to say, especially when I am praying with others.
JESUS: Let Me tell you, there is nothing wrong with your prayers. Any communication with Me is never wrong.
ME: But they don’t sound as meaningful or complete as other peoples’ do.
JESUS: Speak to Me just like you do any other time. When it comes to prayers, there is no right or wrong. Just talk about what is on your mind. I promise to listen.
ME: But I can’t always put into words those deep feelings, thoughts, or concerns for others that I experience.
JESUS: I totally understand what you are saying. Maybe you need to permeate your prayers in scripture.
ME: What? Are You saying to soak my prayers in Your Word?
JESUS: Precisely! The sum of My word is truth, and every one of My righteous rules endures forever. I don’t want you to just learn and recite the prayer I taught My disciples; I want you to live it.
ME: I think my prayers still sound almost childish at times.
JESUS: You are My child, My precious child and I cherish any conversation that you have with Me. Look, I want you to be the woman I created you go be – no pretenses or facades. Just be you. Otherwise, you are telling Me that I didn’t do a good job.
ME: I would never do that to You, Jesus.
JESUS: Don’t say that too quickly because I can remember a time when you tried to be someone else. You did not like yourself and you went to great lengths to chase the dreams of others. Tell Me, how did that work for you?
ME: Well, ahhhh… it brought me great shame and embarrassment. Even my own family did not care much for me. But Jesus, I have changed since then.
JESUS: You prayed high and mighty prayers back then even, when you were not convinced that I could love you or take care of you. To be quite honest, I enjoy your genuine prayers that you share with Me these days.
ME: They are much easier for me because they come from my heart.
JESUS: I know that! Now, wrap your prayers in My words of love and comfort and pray those promises that I have given.
Photo: Michael Johnston