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“Don’t Use that Tone of Voice with your Mother, I mean God.”

October 23, 2009 By Jean Wise

I pray in the shower. I cannot believe I am telling you this, but I do pray in the shower. That may sound like a strange place for you, but I find the warm refreshing water a wonderful time to share my concerns with God.

So there I stood the other day, starting off my day feeling good and just babbling away in my bubbles, telling God about all my concerns and just want I needed him to do. I even expressed my impatience and frustration at several prayers that he hadn’t gotten around to answering yet.
Perhaps the echo in the shower stall or my vulnerable state magnified my words but suddenly I realize just WHO I was talking to. Yikes! My demanding tone of voice and obstinate attitude did not contain much worship, respect, fear or love for the Lord.
I stopped.

I could hear my mother’s voice rise from a deep memory, “Don’t use that tone of voice with me, young lady. Off to your room!”

Then I think I heard God laugh. I asked him for his forgiveness for being so arrogant and disrespectful. And we laughed together.

How you ever listened to the tone of voice you use when speaking to God?
Most of the time I do address him as God should be, but now I wonder just how often my ego takes over with selfish demands.
I pray as if I am competing to “win” some answers or coerce him into obeying me.
Do I think if I whine enough God will just cave in?

Do I think if I am loud enough he will hear me over others?
Do I think if I sound desperate enough he will take pity on me?

OUCH!

God is a God of promise. He promises to draw near when we draw near. He promises to listen to our prayers. He is faithful, loving and trustworthy.

He is God. I am not.

“Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much.” Robert Greenleaf

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Comments

  1. blankColleen says

    October 25, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    I pray in the shower sometimes, too. And sometimes I yell and demand. That is OK. Better than the cold shoulder. Of course, as soon as I realize I have spoken that way, I apologize. And God forgives. God bless!

  2. blankKaren says

    October 24, 2009 at 2:17 am

    Now, don’t be too hard on yourself. Jesus told us us to pray to the Abba Father. I’m pretty sure He knows all our “ways” in our prayers. What’s so wonderful, to me is that He still answers and listens.

    Enjoyed this one Jeanie. I love the shower scene.

  3. blankJohnnie says

    October 23, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    I pray in the shower all the time — but not out loud!!!! Perhaps that’s why I’ve never heard the echoes of my own voice.

    Appreciate your honest and open heart, Jeanie.

  4. blankClella says

    October 23, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    At one time I had a poster above my computer that re GOD IS GOD AND I”M NOT! I often need to remind myself of this when I become judgmental or whiny.
    Good post. I do so relate to your writing. Clella

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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