You know those times when your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and knock the wind out of you after they come back down?
Perhaps there has been a specific time in your life where your prayers went one of three ways:
1. Heaven-your prayers made it through, but remain unanswered.
2. Earth-your prayers don't seem to leave the ground.
3. Wordless/Nowhere-you don't have the words to pray anymore.
At some point in your life, maybe you have experienced each one of these situations.
In my last blog, I wrote: "I always believed I couldn't come to God unless my life was in good shape. This is a lie." Have you ever heard that lie whispered to you? Have you questioned why your prayers don't seem to get through? Have you wondered if God is even listening?
At times it seems nearly impossible that a God sitting high up in heaven could actually hear, care, and respond to our prayers. But He does. We are encouraged to come boldly before God and ask for what we need and/or want in our lives. I'm not going to lie to you-pretty and flowery prayers don't always get the job done. Your memorized, frequently recited, same old prayers are not going to get God's attention. God doesn't want perfect prayers. Because I love to write, I often write down prayers in a journal rather than say them out loud. I'm sure each of us have different prayer strategies. I have found that some of my most candid prayers come out of the most difficult times in my life. The prayers that I have written are far from perfect, pretty, or powerful. More often, they are imperfect, messy, and weak attempts to reach God.
I used to craft these perfect prayers so that God knew I meant business and sometimes He answered those prayers. Sometimes He didn't. One thing I have learned is that God doesn't expect perfection. I do not have to wait until everything in my life is settled to pray. I do not have to pray the most beautiful prayers God has ever heard. Maybe you've been taught to pray a certain way, but that's just not working for you right now. I want to remind you that prayer is our best form of communication with God. He wants us to talk to Him and He wants to hear everything we have to say, not just the good stuff.
Sometimes all we need to do is acknowledge how sinful, broken, and weak we are without our God. That will really get His attention. When you admit your weaknesses, personal struggles, and shortcomings...God is leaning in to hear more. Not because He wants to brag and say "I told you so," but because He wants to know how we are going to approach the throne room when our lives are in turmoil. What will we bring Him when it seems we have nothing left to give?
Parents often see both our best and worst sides. I make mistakes and my parents know it. I get upset with them. No matter how many times I disagree or argue with my parents, I have found that they still love me when it's all said and done. Just as I get upset with my earthly parents, there are times when I get upset with my Heavenly Father. Sometimes I get frustrated and give Him the silent treatment. Have you ever done that to God? Have you ever gotten upset with Him because you didn't think He heard you or He didn't answer when you called Him by name? It might go something like this...
"Ok, God, what did I do wrong this time? I have tried everything. *sigh* You must not really care if you can't even answer one simple prayer. I'm trying my best to trust you but it's getting harder and harder. I don't understand what you're doing right now. God, where are you?! What's the point of this if you're not going to answer me?"
That is far from a perfect prayer, but God still hears it. He loves you regardless. He still acknowledges when you're talking to Him. There are many times when He's just waiting on you to calm down so you can actually hear Him respond. Thankfully for us, He is loving and patient. When your tirade is over, He will remind you that He's been there all along.
Whether it feels like your prayers have already reached Heaven, can't seem to leave Earth, or are going nowhere, God is listening. Pray your imperfect prayers and He will still love you for it. We don't need to have it all together when we come to God. We need only to be honest with Him. Consider this a reminder that God wants every part of you-both the good and the bad. He knows your name and He hears your every need. Bring God your imperfect prayers. He wants to hear from you and He's not afraid of the messy details in your life.
What if God's best work comes from your broken prayers?