Sad Prayers
I did chapel at Pacific Lutheran High School in Torrance this morning. I talked about strongholds--those things we habitually run too looking for protection, provision, life, relief, release... They are really false gods. We go to them because we trust them. The problem is, they are not trustworthy. Here are some examples of sad prayers to some strongholds.
Worry. "Dear Worry, in exchange for loss of sleep, health problems including ulcers, reflux, heartburn, and even divraticulitus, I ask that you would be my companion until all this works out, if it ever will, which I'm sure it won't with my luck. Amen."
Unforgiveness/Bitterness. "Dear Bitterness, you know I got the raw end of this deal. Its always going to be the same, I guess its my destiny to be the victim. Dear Unforgiveness, help me guard my heart, make me so hard that anyone who tries to get close will bounce off me. Amen."
Addiction. "Dear Addiction (materialism, booze, food, porn, gambling, amuzement, etc), my real life hurts so bad, that this made up life is my only refuge. All the stuff I can buy satisfies...for a while, the substance anesticizes...for a while, the beautiful, fake person on the screen or in a magazine, or in a book won't hurt me like the realy people in my life, and in my fantasy they will accept me for who I am. Amen."
Perfectionism. "Dear Perfectionism, I know if I dedicated my life to perfection nothing could harm me. If I keep trying harder and harder to get it right-everything will go right. I haven't been able to get it all right in the past, but maybe something will be different this time. I commit myself to at least a 4.0 grade point average, never being late (Please let there never be traffic), perfect musicianship and sporting ability, relationship where I never offend others and am never offended. I know you can find some other perfect people for friends and a future spouse. I haven't met them yet, but they must be out there somewhere. Amen."
Try Psalm 71:1 or 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 instead!
Worry. "Dear Worry, in exchange for loss of sleep, health problems including ulcers, reflux, heartburn, and even divraticulitus, I ask that you would be my companion until all this works out, if it ever will, which I'm sure it won't with my luck. Amen."
Unforgiveness/Bitterness. "Dear Bitterness, you know I got the raw end of this deal. Its always going to be the same, I guess its my destiny to be the victim. Dear Unforgiveness, help me guard my heart, make me so hard that anyone who tries to get close will bounce off me. Amen."
Addiction. "Dear Addiction (materialism, booze, food, porn, gambling, amuzement, etc), my real life hurts so bad, that this made up life is my only refuge. All the stuff I can buy satisfies...for a while, the substance anesticizes...for a while, the beautiful, fake person on the screen or in a magazine, or in a book won't hurt me like the realy people in my life, and in my fantasy they will accept me for who I am. Amen."
Perfectionism. "Dear Perfectionism, I know if I dedicated my life to perfection nothing could harm me. If I keep trying harder and harder to get it right-everything will go right. I haven't been able to get it all right in the past, but maybe something will be different this time. I commit myself to at least a 4.0 grade point average, never being late (Please let there never be traffic), perfect musicianship and sporting ability, relationship where I never offend others and am never offended. I know you can find some other perfect people for friends and a future spouse. I haven't met them yet, but they must be out there somewhere. Amen."
Try Psalm 71:1 or 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 instead!
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