Tuesday, November 15th, 2016
A DANGEROUS PRAYER
I attended Crossroads Church in Woodbury, Minnesota, with my oldest son, his wife, and two children (who were safely deposited in the nursery). Near the end of his message, Pastor Phil gave us the following prayer – “Lord, take me deeper than my feet would ever wander.”
I thought at the time, “That’s a good prayer. I think I’ll pray it.” Upon further reflection, I realized it was a very dangerous prayer. The last time I prayed something like that, I went through four years of major depression, the closest thing to hell I’ve experienced here on earth. But I came out of it in a place I would have never reached otherwise – a closeness to Jesus Christ born out of great adversity. My self-protective feet would never have chosen that path.
And so I wondered, do I really want to say a prayer that might bring me through another bout of adversity? Do I really want to put my well-being on the line? I want greater depth with Jesus, but at what cost? Humbly, as I put my hands to the keyboard right now, I pray, “Lord, take me deeper than my feet would ever wander,” hoping He would do so in a nice sort of way but willing to endure suffering if that’s what He prescribes. And with shaky hands, I say, Amen.”
November 15th, 2016 at 9:09 pm
Pat, a great word today for all of us: humble, transparent, vulnerable, and placing your trust in the God who calls Himself Lovingkindness. Thanks for stepping out there with the Holy Spirit’s courage informing your heart. It was an inspiring burst of encouragement for my own journey.
Love,
Brother Bill