Saturday, July 5, 2014

Ugh. I'm an Unprepared Prayer Fail!

What's wrong with me Lord?
You know me {all so well}, so I guess there's no use in trying to dance around this, so {deep breath}, here it goes...........

Lately, I can't seem to get though a prayer. {gasp}

Not even the one You taught. {double gasp}

Not without a wandering mind.  

Truth be told, sometimes; by the time I reach 'who art in heaven'......my head art in the grocery list, or the game schedule, or the last post, or the future tweet, or the plans I have for tomorrow, or.......well, you get the idea God.

And then the guilt sets in.

Good Grief Tera, what's wrong with you? 
How can you not even PRAY without losing your thoughts?
  {which quite frankly often feels more like losing my mind}

Perhaps someone reading this can relate?   {please?!}

{And I know guilt is not from you God, and I know that you know the concerns of my heart, and I know that you love me no matter what, and I know that you don't judge me as a "bad pray-er", but I don't want to wander...not during my precious time alone with you. Not during those times that I want to intercede on behalf of those who's concerns and worries (including my own) I want to lift to you in conversation. Not during those times I want to offer you thanks and praise for all you have done and continue to do. No, I don't want to wander.}

So tonight, this wandering-yet-determined-minded girl decided to face this looming prayer fail dilemma head-on.

I googled "focus on Jesus", "fixed thoughts", "looking to heaven", and I did indeed find some help for my boggled brain, but I continued my search....

Until.


 A prayer to prepare {the focus of my mind and soil of my heart}.
 And a ten cent notebook {to  s l o w  down, and write out each and every concern and praise}.

I'm not sure why I hadn't thought of it before, or perhaps I just didn't think a "good Christian" should have to prepare to.......Pray.

But why not?  

If I decide to make a cake, but don't have the ingredients....
If I decide to go grocery shopping, but forget my wallet and list....
If I decide to clean the house, but don't have the supplies I need...
If I decide to take a drive, but don't have the keys or a tank of gas.....
In each case, I need to prepare.  
I need to prepare if I want to succeed.

It doesn't mean I'm weak..........it means I'm wise.

So my friends, tonight; covered by grace, and equipped with a ten cent notebook and a prayer to preprayer........

This girl..........is going to pray.  
Perhaps you'll join me.

Much Love,    


"Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!"  Andrew Murray