DANGER! When we see that word, we typically use extreme caution. We become more aware of our surroundings, watch more closely behind the wheel and even leave the area where danger is lurking. When we face dangerous situations, our fight-or-flight response kicks in. We usually feel fearful of what could happen. For the flight response, we go to a safe place where we can catch our breath, feel protected and reassure ourselves of security.
When it comes to our everyday lives, are we praying safe prayers? Are we praying prayers that make us feel secure in who we are
and who God is in us? Do our prayers change us? Do our prayers feel dangerous? Prayer is how we commune with the one triune God. Communication in any relationship is key, especially in our relationship with Jesus. Prayer should be more than asking God to bless our food before meals. How is our prayer life? Is prayer the air we breathe?
The saying “Be careful what you pray for” has caused me to pray cautiously in the past. Someone once told me not to pray for patience because God would put me in situations where I’d have to be patient. I wasn’t up for the challenge, so anytime I started to ask God for patience in a situation, I caught myself and prayed something different. Our prayers to God should be dangerous.
Are we ready to take our relationship with Jesus to another level? Are we tired of going through the motions in our journey of faith? If your answer is yes, then I have prayers for you — search me, break me, use me and send me!
God, search me. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
God, break me. “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.’” (Luke 9:23-24)
God, use me. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)
– The Rev. Julie Fuller is mom to Davis and Dallas and pastor at Acworth Presbyterian Church. Connect with her and the church on Facebook and at https://acworthpresbyterianchurch.org/.
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