Have you ever prayed hard prayers?

Prayers that go beyond, “God bless Charlie” or “God be with Susie.”

Prayers that are developed out of desperation.

Prayers that come from what seem like impossible situations.  

Prayers that are born out of the broken cries of our hearts.

Prayers that move beyond the ceiling of our own desires or dreams.  

Prayers that are kingdom focused and will live on in eternity.  

Prayers that aren’t well…safe prayers?

Prayers that go something like this…

“Dear Lord Jesus, please get ahold of ____________(you insert the name). Disturb their souls to the point that they can’t sleep, eat, party or even enjoy things until they turn back to You Oh Lord.”  

Prayers like, “Dear Lord, whisper ___________(you insert name) name in their ear, continue to pursue them with a relentless pursuit of Your love Oh God.”

How about a prayer like, “Dear Father, reveal the hidden sins in me and my family, eradicate the deadly sins that could damage our relationship with you, one another & others. Expose them so that we will fall on our faces in repentance and turn back to You Oh Lord.”

I am talking about hard prayers!

I would say that most of us have never prayed a “hard prayer” in our lives.

Hard prayers begin when we have exhausted our own resources.

When we are desperate for God’s hand to move in the lives of our loved ones. 

Hard prayers are truly prayers of intercession.

To intercede in prayer is to pray things for others they can’t possibly pray for themselves.

Intercessory prayer is hard work, but it is a “good work”.

Prayer is one of the most important works we are called to do as followers of Christ Jesus.

The Lord will take us through seasons of life.  

During my season of being instead of doing…

The Holy Spirit has been teaching me how to pray hard things.  

Things I would never pray on my own.  

There were things and situations that brought me to a place of sheer desperation which led to a devotion and determination to follow and pray in accordance with God’s will!  

Many of those prayers literally made me gasp for air after I have said them out-loud to the Father.

Ones that for this Jesus living-Momma of four children & Nae Nae to 9 grandchildren are a bit scary to pray.  

I say they are scary because of the One to Whom my prayers are directed. The Lord Strong and Mighty, the Creator and Keeper of All living things. The God of heaven and earth. God, who is Sovereign over ALL the Universe.  We are to come into His presence with fear and trembling, not because He is waiting to punish us but because He is Holy, Righteous and the Judge of ALL the earth.

That should be enough to cause us to fall on our faces before Him in Awe and wonder. We pray to the One not only hears us but will also act!

If your prayer life is boring, lifeless &  weak. Maybe it’s because your prayers are hitting the ceiling of your own hopes, dreams and desires.

Maybe your prayers are just too safe? Why not, ask God to give you a new perspective on prayer.

God bless you as you endeavor to grow closer to the Lord through His Word and through praying hard and not such safe prayers at the feet of Jesus.

Psalm 91, In the Shadow of the Almighty,

Renee