What do we withhold from God when we pray? Could it be our real sorrow? Our addictions to temporary pleasures of life? Our desire to recognize God’s voice? I have found myself unintentionally withholding how much I need God to show up and just make everything right for me. I would like to say that I spend my prayer time just enjoying God’s loving presence and seating in gratitude. However, I spend my time praying for temporary desires, a list of wants and needs, and forgiveness for past sins which God has already forgiven me for. Although it is well and good to pray for these things, I pray in those moments from a place of fear, not courage. The fear that God would ask me to do something I do not feel like doing. The fear that I might not recognize God’s voice. The fear that when, and if, I do not get what I want in the package I want it, then God did not hear my prayers.

When have we brought our whole self in prayer, and said, “Here I am!” When have we as Children of God had the courage to give up what we hold most dear and just trust God’s voice? So, on this second Sunday of lent, please join me in this prayer with courage:

Here I am Lord! You have asked me to have the courage to give up everything for the sake of your love. Help me do so with courage. Here I am Lord! I have nothing left but your love. Let that be enough for me. Help me feel and know so with courage. Here I am Lord! You have asked me to see as you see, hear as you hear, and recognize your voice. Lord, it is not easy, but help me do so.

Merciful and loving God, I am here. I will listen to your voice. Strengthen my faith. Amen