I Forgot to Pray for my Face

A few weeks ago, a friend and I were apparently having a similar day. Interactions with our spouses left us somewhat frustrated. As we shared our experiences it became obvious that the timing of our conversation was no accident. She had specifically prayed asking God to filter the words coming out of her mouth; even in this situation there was no reason to be mean to her husband. Shortly after asking God to put His hand over her mouth, her husband walked in the door. They spoke. She indicated that she was “okay”. And he said, “Your face tells me otherwise”. Her response, “I forgot to pray for my face”.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten to pray for my face (literally and figuratively). I might be angry with someone or not happy with a particular situation. I’ve asked God to soften my heart, give me understanding, or simply fix what’s going on. But in the meantime, my body language and especially my face didn’t get the memo.

Although this particular happening has me laughing out loud again as I’m sitting here writing, it’s honestly that simple. There isn’t anything we can’t pray for. It can be my facial expressions, a cancer diagnosis, and everything in between.

I don’t have the best track record when it comes to prayer. Do I believe in prayer? Absolutely. If I say I’m going to pray for something, do I actually do it? Yes! But if you asked God for a grade, I’m guessing I’d be lucky to pass class with a C+ at best. Until the past year, prayer wasn’t necessarily a priority. It didn’t get enough attention. I definitely would say it was a last resort for my own personal prayers (with one exception, but that’s another blog).

About a year ago, I started noticing something. In my conversations with God, I found myself praying. It didn’t sound like prayer the way most people think. It was in the midst of my ongoing chats with Him; that “loop” in my head as I like to call it. While I’m talking to Him about that lady in the produce section. Or it could be a quick mention about stressors at work. Whatever it is, the next thing I know I’m asking Him to help me navigate a relationship that’s challenging. Then I’m moving on to asking for special grace for a friend who’s struggling. It happens pretty organically. There’s no fluff or fancy words. It’s just me and God sorting through life.

A few months ago, I had an incredible experience. My son, Grant, was having a particularly difficult time with something. I prayed asking God in great detail for an unmistakable answer. I wanted Grant to be witness to what God can do. Now listen. I’m known for trying to paint vivid pictures with my words. But this is no exaggeration. The next morning, Grant texted me. He said, “Mom…………………….” The words that he typed were precisely, the exact words of my prayer. Are you kidding me? God didn’t just show up, He was showing off; and I love when He does that.

The Bible is packed full of desperate prayers, eloquent prayers, outlandish prayers, long prayers and short prayers. I assure you the type of prayer is fairly inconsequential. Just pray. Whether you’re Moses dealing with the Israelites, Jonah running in the opposite direction, or the two who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus, just talk to Him. You’ll develop a regular cadence that becomes a part of your life.

As I sit here today, enjoying the freedom of an extra day on my weekend, my conversation with God includes the following: please hold Alyssa close as she continues to grieve, continue to restore Joanna, keep showing Grant who you are, thank you for loving on my friends Sarah and Janice (and give them wisdom ~ WINK, WINK, LOL), and help me to hear your voice. And God, while you’re at it, Stephanie and I could still use some help with our face.

Ephesians 1:16-19 ~ I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.