Image by spcbrass via Flicr“You are brave. That is a dangerous prayer.” This is what one friend said to me the other day when I shared a personal prayer that recently been on my heart.
“Lord, do what You need to do with me in order that I become what You best choose.”
I guess I didn’t think of this honest submission to God as dangerous or that I was suddenly full of courage – I just prayed.
That reminded me of another prayer I read about a year ago:
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, superficial relationships, so that you will live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you will work for justice, equality and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and change their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done.
Author Unknown
Dangerous also means risky, hazardous, and precarious. I never really thought of my prayers leading me into dark unsafe areas of life but more into unknown places where I don’t have control or knowledge and live with uncertainty. In all honesty, that is life anyway, right?
Risky? I think I like that word better than dangerous. I am taking a risk that what I have come to know and expect may be turned upside-down for the Lord. But as long as this new adventure is in His hands and He is by my side, I have no fear.
Ha, I am now armed (with God) and dangerous!
What dangerous prayers have you prayed? What happened?
I find nit reassuring that others didn’t like the word dangerous either. I think that is why I like the risky word better. And Susan, I too need this type of nudge all the time. One reason why I love reading others blogs = often gives my spirit the knowledge and push I need. thanks for visiting.
Truth be told, I am afraid to pray dangerous prayers. But I am convinced more than ever that this is exactly what I need to do!
Thanks for the nudge.
I have to agree with Phil I don’t see it being dangerous prayer it’s what is in that persons heart…many of us should pray that type of prayer it surely will keep us humble…and be more hungry for the things of God
All your comments are so good. Yes Phil it is only through Christ can we become what He wants for us and Laura, I agree that second prayer is powerful, isn’t it?
That second prayer? Really makes me think.
Instead of complaining, what should I be looking for?
Great post Jean.
Prayers such as you described aren’t dangerous, they’re from a humble heart which is what our Lord desires. We’re limited in what we can accomplish alone, but through Christ everything becomes possible.
Have a Blessed Day!
Erin, I am humbled and honored by your words. You really made my day
And Glenda – what a thought provoking comment. Wish I had said that to my friend. MMMM, good thinking. I will ponder that.
As always I love hearing from you all.
I wonder if it is not more dangerous not to pray that prayer.
Fondly,
Glenda
Jean,
I just LOVE your blog!!! I think the most dangerous prayers I have prayed are about being the wife that He would have me be…because it has meant a total selflessness that is just not in our nature. I have a wonderful husband who makes it easy sometimes, but boy, there are some areas that I don’t want to “give” on.
You are such a blessing!
~Erin
Clella I forgot about the Prayer of Jabez. What a great example of a risky prayer.
I prayed the Jabez prayer of “Enlarge my territory” and have been so blessed! Kindred Heart Writers critique group is only one answer to my risky prayer. God is faithful even with our dangerous prayers isn’t He? thanks Jeanie