So, my hometown church in Barbados started reaching out to members to write and record prayers for a prayer bank. My mom was asked to submit a prayer and I thought it was such a cool idea. Here’s where you’re expecting me to say I volunteered or even better started the idea somewhere else. Mmm. Sorry to disappoint. See. I’m a runner. I love being in the figure it out stage. It’s completely stressful but exciting as well but signing myself up for any kind of assignment is a no-no. I’m a give it 110% kind of girl but that is tiring so laying in bed always sounds like a better idea than doing another thing. Funny thing is, I never just lay in bed even when I can. Oops… I have digressed. To make a short story even shorter, my mother mentioned my name to the preacher, who wasn’t thinking about little old me before then and guess who was asked to record a prayer. The cherry on top is that she told the reverend I would have it in a few days. My pride won’t let me miss a deadline. Now it was a challenge.
A little confession. I am a closet pray-er. I get nervous and sweaty in the few seconds where everyone is waiting for someone to volunteer to pray at bible study or even Thanksgiving. I know, theoretically, God doesn’t need us to be perfect but let me tell you, prayer warrior should be a job title. Some people are just so good at speaking right to your spirit and weaving in the scripture that I want to pat them down for the notes they must be hiding in their jackets. It’s a gift that I truly admire in others and one I want to improve upon. Only one way to get better so I started writing. I wanted to share because I am literally afraid to do so. This chapter of my life is all about pushing through my fears (mainly, the ones that won’t put my life in danger). I won’t be tackling that fear of snakes anytime soon I’m not looking for a critique or tips but the act of sharing is the more important step here. If it happens to bless you, that would make my heart happy and would literally be the icing on this cake of courage. Love you all!
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for allowing us to see another day. I know these days seem trying, Lord, but please be patient with us as we strive towards the understanding that your plan is better than our plan. At a time where sons and daughters cannot visit their parents, where all who want to gather to worship you do not feel safe to do so and where parents are struggling to balance all the scenarios being thrown their way.
Lord, with all the uncertainty looming around us, the weight of the worry can feel heavy and infinite but God, you are light and especially in this time, you are peace. Father, thank you for trials and tribulations that force us to focus on what is truly important. At the beginning of this year, we took so much for granted. We mindlessly chose late nights at work over playing with our children, scrolling on social media over in person visits with friends and watching reality TV over checking in on loved ones.
God, only you could stop the whole world in its tracks and show us what truly matters: time with those we love and time with YOU. Only then can we be who you have called us to be. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to make it right, to try again, to be better. Lord, grant us the wisdom to draw closer to you and not pull away back to a life of comforts. To prioritize reading your Word so we are armed with the understanding that you are an AWESOME God who can do all thing and your way is the best way even if we cannot comprehend it.
As we pour through your word, may it bring us peace and fill us with purpose. May it guide our next steps, so we are confident and steadfast in our decisions and never feel alone in our way forward. God, you are the goal, you are the priority and everything else will fall into place. As we strengthen our faith in You, I pray we not only see light in what feels like dark times but we can become a beacon of light for others. Lord, thank you for all you have done and are still yet to do in our lives. Amen!
