When You're Guilty of Being a Prayer Procrastinator

I have big plans when it comes to prayer.

I mean, why shouldn’t I? The Creator of the universe has invited me, through His son Jesus Christ, to partner with Him in accomplishing His purposes.

It’s a privilege too amazing to grasp fully. Even as I think of it, I really can’t find anything to compare it to.

The mystery of prayer fascinates me, humbles me, and leaves me standing in awe of our incredible God.

So, yes, I have great, big plans to fully participate in this inexplicable gift.

Except that sometimes my plans remain as bare, fruitless branches bearing only the hint of promise.

Does that ever happen to you? 

With the privilege of prayer comes the feeling of responsibility. Of wanting to get it right, of not wasting the opportunity. A desire to ensure I cover all the bases. The burden is almost too heavy for me at times.

When that happens, I need to stop. Shake off the heaviness, the dutiful press of prayer and remember the sweetness.

Remember that my prayers, as scattered as they might be, waft up like a sweet fragrance into the very presence of God.

Soak in the bursting with goodness promise that I can boldly approach God’s throne at any time, day or night, and be welcomed there.

Relish the awe-inspiring truth that I never pray alone. I have God’s very own Spirit, the Holy Spirit, praying with me and for me, giving voice to the words I can’t seem to find.

Oh my, when I remember the exquisite goodness of prayer, it changes everything. 

I embrace the gift when I accept that my stumbling words and contrite heart delight my Father in heaven.

Free to experiment with various styles of prayer, the guilt withers away.

Sometimes, I settle in for a nice, long chat with my Father. I open my prayer box, and as the sweet aroma of potpourri fills the air, I lift names, concerns, and thanks to God.

Other times, my prayers consist of heart whispers throughout my day, continually, as if I’m talking to a friend who understands my thoughts.

But times when the topics up for discussion are heavy and rich with anxiety-producing buds, I procrastinate. Not even wanting to talk about the issues that I dread, I push back our meeting time.

Then I remember God's welcome mat. The invitation to come when I’m tired and weary, and I crawl gratefully up into His lap.

One of my favorite ways to do this is to open God’s love letter to us--His Holy Word. I hear His voice as I read His words. I glimpse His heart, and I offer Him my own. Intimate moments of fellowship follow.

During all these times, my prayers are mercifully transformed from fruitless branches to blossoms bursting with hope.

Not because I’ve gotten it right, but because He has, and my heart sees that.

I haven’t fully figured out the mystery of prayer, and I never will. Perhaps, I will never feel that I have it right, and that’s okay because it’s not about me.

Although I still have days when the guilt threatens to overrun me, more and more I’m beginning to accept the seasonal beauty of my prayer life.

My prayers may be scattered and small, I may procrastinate and fail to pour out, but my faithful Father is always listening. With a sparkle in His eyes and a smile on His face, He welcomes me each time, lovingly rewarding me with a closer walk with Him.

A closer walk with Him. A deeper appreciation for Who He really is. Turns out God has greater plans for my prayers than I do.

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What about you?

Do you experience guilt in your prayer life?

Just for today why not shake off the guilt and embrace the sweetness of the gift. 

It'll have you running into the Father's arms.

Here are some verses to help as you ponder this amazing privilege:

Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice! (Psalm 141:2)

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence. (Ephesians 3:12)

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 
(Romans 8:26)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." 
(Matthew 11:28)

Grace and peace to you,
Carlie 

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Live Amazed

Live Amazed - Embracing the Gifts of God in Longing, Loss, and Life, available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books A Million is a 30-day devotional designed to help us savor God's unending goodness even in the midst of our chaos. 

(You may click on the highlighted links to purchase.)

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When You're Guilty of Being a Prayer Procrastinator