A Prayer about Being Needed Yet Empty
But he [Jesus] said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
Dear Jesus, thanks for the freedom to acknowledge when life feels like it’s just too much. It’s so good to remember today that the gospel calls us to hope, not to hype; to believe, not to make believe; to intercession, not to presumption.
Sarah laughed at the thought of having a baby in her nineties. Mary was shocked at the thought of giving birth to you, as a virgin. Though overwhelmed, she believed, and I want her cry to be mine: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Jesus, I need the resources you’ve promised and you alone can give. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in a few weeks. I’m irritated, I’m scared, and I’m out of gas. I’ve got friends who are on the equivalent of a spiritual life-support system, and they’re looking to me for life. Breathe enough grace into my heart that I might have something to give my friends who are knocking on my door at midnight. They’re desperate, and I don’t want to turn them away.
For my friend so destructively hooked into a pornography addiction, give me wisdom, Jesus. I want to strangle him— not literally, but I’m worn out by his madness. Where do I take him for the best care? What do I say to his wife and kids?
Jesus, O God of the possible, I also bring to you three marriages that “have spent everything they have on a multitude of doctors and cures” but are no better. Have mercy . . . have mercy, dear Lord.
Though I want to run away, I choose to run to you. There’s a whole lot that is impossible with me, Jesus. So however you choose to bring glory to yourself in these situations, you will most definitely get all the credit. I pray in your merciful and mighty name.
Amen.