Stupid Ain’t Stupid

PAUSE

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to recenter my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

(pause)

I pray Psalm 91:2–3, repeating the words slowly, several times:

“God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe! . . . You rescue me from hidden traps, shield me from deadly hazards. Your huge outstretched arms protect me—under them I’m perfectly safe; your arms fend off all harm.” (MSG, paraphrased and personalized)

REFLECT

Bible: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:16–18, emphasis added)

Book passage: Praying about the tiny things of our lives opens our eyes to the hidden myriad of God’s daily blessings, which then enables us to live with greater gratitude. People who don’t pray for stupid things such as parking spaces only get to thank God when sensible things happen—which means that they live less grateful lives!

ASK

Ask myself: Even against the backdrop of big prayers that have gone unanswered, God’s will for me in Christ Jesus is still that I would “pray continually” and “give thanks in all circumstances.” How do I do this? How do I prevent disappointment from destroying my joy? How do I stop unanswered prayer from blinding me to the other prayers God has answered?

Ask the Lord: Keep my heart soft and my eyes open to recognize what You are doing all around me, Lord. I give You thanks now for the signs I see of Your goodness—however small—in my life today.

YIELD

Naming my greatest desire and my deepest dread before the Lord, I clench them in my fists now as I join with Jesus in His ultimate prayer of surrender:

“Abba, Father . . . everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.” (Mark 14:36a)

I open my left hand to offer God my deepest desire and to ask for a miracle.

“Yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42b)

I open my right hand and, naming my deepest dread, I make the difficult decision to relinquish control.

Amen.