Today’s Reflection
We bring our honest desires before Jesus not because we’re guaranteed to get what we ask for but because if and when we are disappointed, we’re better off being disappointed in dialogue with Jesus than on our own. Jesus invited me to be candid in my prayers in part because if things didn’t work out, I’d be in a better place of honesty to process my disappointment. If I self-edited my prayers, my desires—and, potentially, my disappointments—would remain my own. But if I brought it all before Jesus in childlike honesty, any prospective disappointment would benefit from the intimacy that honesty had established.
—Matthew Croasmun, Let Me Ask You a Question: Conversations with Jesus (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
When was the last time you were honest with Jesus about your desires and disappointments? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
—John 14:6 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
Lord,
Give me the patience, focus, and strength to pause, listen, and reflect on what you ask of me. What do you ask of me today?
(Follow today’s prayer with a moment of silence and stillness. Focus on your breath. Repeat the words of the prayer if that helps center you.)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Let your life be shaped by the Word. Discover The Upper Room Disciplines.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
5 Comments
I believe I am always honest in my prayers to Him. Do I maybe keep from listing my disappointments for fear of my being perceived as upset or discontent? This is something I need to consider. He knows my heart. He knows me better than I know myself (as Robert would say). Maybe I can go before Him more openly, when disappointed by another. And in this truth speaking – then move to confession and wanting the desire to be able to forgive. This is much to ponder – God, speak through Your Spirit and lead me.
It was good to meet the remainder of my students yesterday. Trying to discover/develop a pattern which will lead me into good preparation and confidence. I want to make sure that my time with the students face to face is interactive and that they are learning from each other and have activities which spur that on. My creativity is being tested.
In my opinion I am not as good with words verbally, do a little better on paper, but many more do much better than me. It is a great blessing and truth that God knows our hearts whether we speak or write, we even have the Holy Spirit to help us with our prayers. Jesus taught a prayer that does all that needs to be done. How can we, sinners, imperfect beings, say we are truly honest? Our best is not enough, God’s grace is needed. Thank You, Lord for redeeming me.
Prayers for Marcy and missionary Mary, Julie and Megan, David and Ally, Jill and her Dad, All the UR family and beyond, we all need You, Lord. May our hearts truly say. “In You, God, we trust.”
I believe I am honest about my desires every day. I am honest regarding disappointments about my health. I am intrigued by this reflection as I feel guilty about going to the Lord with my desires, even when they involve the wellbeing of others. I am aware that He knows my desires and disappoints but by bringing them to Him it seems as if I am making them more legitimate as the author states above.
Prayers for Jill and her students as they all struggle to learn together.
Prayers for Robert as he helps my faith and understanding to grow with his sage insights.
Prayers for Rick, may he find a premanent home that meets his and Scott’s needs.
Prayers for Ally and David and her new business, may it grow and flourish.
Prayers for Marcy, may her migraines cease soon.
The kittens are very active this morning. They are starting to learn the house rules and even tend to leave Tazzie eat in peace. As this happens I am better able to bond with them.
Prayers, thank you and stay well UR
Growing up in the church and listening to adults pray, I got impression that certain words and phrased were necessary for a “worthy” prayer. I had this idea that God listened for these words and answered prayers containing these words. I also worried about being judged by others if I were called on to pray in Sunday School, Bible study, etc. This was something of a barrier to my prayer life until God placed in my path a lovely Christian woman who prayed in our Bible study as if she were talking to her closest friend: real, honest, no pretense. I have tried since to talk to God as if God were sitting right beside me. I learned that talking to God creates relationship. Even if God’s answer to my prayer is not what I planned for, I know that God is my Creator, my friend. May it be so, Lord.
My company asked for more information regarding my FMLA paperwork. I took it back to our physician so he can flesh out the answers they had questions about. Please lift up this process to the Lord. Yesterday, David felt well enough to do some light housekeeping. It wore him out and today he has sore muscles. He also reported that he became a little winded and short of breath. The research seems to suggest that COVID survivors can have recurrence of symptoms months after initial illness. Please pray for David’s continued healing and increase in stamina. I love to read and one of my favorite books series is the Mitford series by Jan Karon. The main character is Father Tim, an Episcopal priest at small parish in the mountains of North Carolina. Father Tim says that when he doesn’t have words, he prays the prayer that never fails: Thy will be done, Lord. Thanks to all who visit here. I give thanks for our UR family. Be Blessed!
Greetings,
Indeed much to ponder and I like what Robert had to say about this. If I’m honest, I’m much more like Ally in what i thought I needed to say and what words I thought i needed to use. It’s been a process and a reading has helped, as has small group studies. I tried journaling prayer for the first time yesterday, Some one Dear to me encouraged me to try it. I must admit, it was it was a peaceful experience and very cathartic. It allowed me to be honest, and I felt so peaceful afterwards. Holding your Joys and concerns in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to all🙏🏻
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