Sunday Sentiments

 

One of my writing prompts this week pushed me pray about the things that hinder me.

Ouch.

I hesitated before exploring that one in writing. It's kind of like praying for patience. I never leap into that one. ;) 

But I took some brave steps forward into asking God to reveal to my heart the things that hinder me.

I'm not here today to write about all the specific things I wrote and prayed about that day, because some of them were deeply personal, but I do want to share a couple of things that happened in those moments. 

I found myself praying that God would free me (and us) from chasing dreams that fly into the wind so we can chase the ones that are grounded in Him.

Until I saw the words on the screen, I didn't even know it was a prayer of my heart. (I learn a lot about myself and life by writing out my thoughts.) Ryan and I both love to dream about our lives and the future, and I believe many of those dreams are put in our hearts by the Lord Himself. I don't think He wants to stifle our dreams. But I do think it matters that we pray for dreams that honor Him and not just chase wildly after everything that pops into our heads.

And then I wrote this:

Help me to see, with great clarity, the things that are hindering me. Perhaps there are more things, even now, that are holding me back, and I can't even see them. Help me to see them. Help me to WANT to see them. Maybe I don't really want to see what the clarity means...but what it means is FREEDOM. A chance for change. Show me and free me to see and become more. 

It's a bold prayer. 

I don't regret praying it, and I meant every word, but I do recognize that it's a bold thing to ask. It could be costly.

My words are few today, but I challenge you to pray a bold prayer too. What is hindering you?