I’ve
written about this before, and today won’t be the last time in the grand scheme
of my writing career that I visit this topic. I write it today more for my own
story-preservation than for any other reason, but I invite you to read along,
because perhaps you need to hear the words as much as I do.
If you’ve read
here for any length of time, you know that I love to pray and make it a regular
practice in my daily life. I love to pray for people, but I also just
love conversing with God. I love sharing my soul and waiting quietly to listen.
(In full disclosure, that “waiting quietly” part doesn’t come as easily or
naturally to me as the “sharing my soul” part, but I do give it my best
effort.)
But as I’ve
said before, I am guilty of praying broad prayers. My own fears keep me from
being specific. I like to keep my thoughts and requests general enough that any
answer – any answer at all – is easily recognizable as an answer.
This past
weekend, I prayed a very specific prayer, and I put my words in writing. I cringed
even as I tapped out the words on the keyboard because I feared (see?) an
answer of no.
But the very
next morning, God sent an affirmative answer. I am not even sure twelve whole
hours had passed since I asked. I stood shaking my head, shocked to see such a
specific answer to such a specific request.
It reminded me
why I should pray specifically more often. The boost to my faith in that moment
was worth everything. It didn’t even have anything to do with the actual
answer. It was all about recognizing an answer had been given in response to my
need.
I wonder how
many of those moments I miss because I fail to ask specifically. I don’t want
to miss any.
May I be courageous
enough to pray specifically and trusting enough to wait.
4 comments:
I find the phrase "trusting enough to wait" very convicting. I am very impatient, even with God.
Can you give us an example without telling us what you were specifically asking for or about? I know that's way too personal but if you could give the example by swapping in something silly for the example, that would be great and much appreciated. And if you don't want to, that's fine as well.
Natasha - ME TOO!!
Jinjer - Sure! I thought of an example I can swap out. One time, when I was debating in my mind whether or not to pursue a job, I prayed for a very specific person to encourage me to apply - if I should go forward with that pursuit. I realize that for some, that may seem a silly prayer, but it was important for me at the time, and the answer helped me know whether or not it was wise to consider making a move. I had been praying broadly that God would show me, but then I decided to make it specific so there was no mistake in my mind. Hope that helps!
Jinjer, I should add that the person I prayed about knew me and knew about the job opening but did not know I was thinking about it. So it would have taken a nudge from God for that encouragement to apply to come my way.
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