Last year my husband and I joined another couple (who shall remain nameless) for a late breakfast. This is a couple that is very active in our lives but one that we don’t often see eye to eye on in terms of faith. We had spent a long weekend together - all four of us - and there had been a lot of before-meal-praying.
I confess: I struggle with the tension of continual prayer, and learning to not be quick with trite words before the Lord.
So, there we were, breakfast being delivered to our table when I saw that the woman who made up half of this couple had ordered the most delicious looking cinnamon roll this side of heaven. It was huge. Epic. Tremendous. Ginormous. Buddy the Elf would have had a heart attack upon sight of this thing.
Of course, this couple instinctively bowed their heads for prayer over our meal and began to pray. That was when I heard the words “...and make it a nourishment to our bodies.”
Please know ahead of time: I’m the Chandler Bing of prayer. No, seriously. I am. I’ve been known to say while praying, “Lord, could I BE any more serious?!” and then proceed on to state my case.
It should also be disclosed that my Chandlerness usually reveals itself at the worst times possible. Think funerals, doctor appointments, and... apparently, group prayer.
As soon as the prayer ended, I looked up (because obviously when everyone else is bowing their heads, you do too) and joked, “Yes, Lord. Make that epic sugar roll a nourishment.”
As I started to laugh (thinking myself quite funny), my husband did a half shake of his head that said to me, “What on earth are you saying?! Eat your bagel. Eat. your. bagel. EAT YOUR BAGEL.”
I took this head-shaking statement has license to explain myself to the shocked faces now staring at me.
“I’m just... you know...”
“That was a total joke...”
“I’m sure God can turn whatever he wants into a healthy food...”
“...how about this weather?”
You can imagine, breakfast was awkward.
Here’s the thing though. I had been thinking a lot about Ecclesiastes 5:2 during this time in my life because clearly I have a problem with my mouth:
Think before you speak,
and be careful about what you say to God.
God is in heaven,
and you are on the earth,
I am so guilty of this myself. I pray for things I barely even give a second thought to, I say whatever comes to mind, I am not careful of what I say to this Majestic God who is in heaven... while I am here on His created earth.
I don’t say a few words, I say too many words. I don’t always say words I mean, I tend to simply say words that fill space.
And I wonder, what does this God, who created stars and moon, hearts and lungs, poets and mechanics, think about a girl who throws her words at Him so carelessly?
I confess: I struggle with the tension of continual prayer, and learning to not be quick with trite words before the Lord.
And I wonder if prayer can be a simple coming to Him, humbled and quiet? Can a song of praise or a plea of deliverance be whispered instead of shouted? Is there a way for a feisty girl with too much to say to learn the right posture before the King of kings? Is it true that a few words could accomplish more than many?
What would happen if we were truly purposed in prayer?
Well, if we take Jesus at his word, mountains might start moving, love might start blooming, and just perhaps, maybe, somehow, cinnamon buns would become a nourishment to our bodies.
(Well, I doubt that last one. But the first two I stand behind.)
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You can find Kristen at ExemplifyOnline.com helping others uncover organic faith. Through quarterly Bible studies and regular spotlight shows that focus on the call of the Church, it is Kristen’s hope to equip & inspire women to live out their love for Christ with purposed action. You can find her podcast on iTunes or at Exemplify.
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