A Prayer About Feelings

A prayer about Feelings - Avoiding a disastrous trade

HEAVENLY FATHER,

Whenever I read the story of Jacob and Esau, I wonder how Esau could have made such a terrible deal. What an idiot, I think, to trade his future for a bowl of stew! Esau had everything going for him: strength, independence, and as firstborn son, the advantage of being heir to his father’s estate. Yet he gave away his birthright because he felt famished. How common this is today. Only now, the desperate feelings often involve sexual desire, and people throw away marriage, family, and reputation to satisfy those urges. I admit that I am vulnerable to making similar disastrous trades. Every day presents temptations that can lead me from your way. And regardless of how strong and self-sufficient I think I am, I can’t resist those enticements without you. Keep me straight, Father. Help me to fight, even if I think I am starved for the tempter’s offers.

Esau said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that red stew!” . . . “All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.” “Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?” But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob. Genesis 25:30-33