be careful what you pray for

October 25, 2012 By 5 Comments

Be careful what you pray for. Seriously. I was hit with the reality a few years back that ev.er.y.thing boils down to love. So in my brilliance I asked God to teach me how to really love. I mean really love. He heard me. And let me testify, real love is painful because self has to die. Completely die.

 

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:2-3

 

I was on a run yesterday after being given the opportunity to show some raw, Jesus love. And do you know what God had the audacity to do in my spirit? He led me to pray for someone who had uninvitedly crushed me. Are you kidding? Pray for her?!

As the words of intercession whispered across my lips, the ability of our God struck me. That He can take a broken, incapable vessel (me!) and transform it into something that (imperfectly) reflects His grace and love. It blew me away. It went against every rational feeling that stirred in my deceptive heart — you know, those feelings of revenge and insult.

And it pointed to Him, the author of love.

Fill me, Lord…

Have you ever momentarily regretted a prayer?

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Filed Under: daily filling, prayer that changes things
  • http://fromthealtartoforever.wordpress.com/ JaQuinn

    Yes. I find myself praying things that I know that I should and honestly wanting to be more like Jesus – even begging for it. Then when the chance comes to act on what I prayed, I’m like, “it just got real.” haha! That’s what we get. That’s just like God, always being so faithful and amazing, answering our prayers and molding us to be more like Him.

    • http://www.larawilliams.org Lara Gibson Williams

      “It just got real.” Ha. Seriously. He’s so patient with us. Can’t wait to see you!

  • christie elkins

    Yes. When I pray for patience, and situations pop up all around me that require such a request! But, thankfully He grants my request and is giving me opportunities to practice this “fruit” :)

    • http://www.larawilliams.org Lara Gibson Williams

      Whenever I completely blow the “opportunity” He’s so gracious to forgive and give another chance. And then when by His grace He flows freely and fruit actually shows, wow, nothing like it.

  • Amber

    I can’t say I’ve had regret, but it definitely stops me in my tracks. There are so many lessons over the past couple years that He has lovingly, intimately, and thoroughly taught me. And then almost in an instant He calls me to live.it.full.out. In all honesty sometimes I have successfully lived out His training, other times failed miserably and felt instantly convicted. Pressing in and believing Him.