Prayers For Our Lazarus

Growth happens as a result a whole array of things, but here are 2 biggies…consistent consumption of and meditation on God’s teachings (ie prayers) and the experiences we live.  Growth does not happen in conjunction with sameness.  If we never change anything, nothing will ever change. 

Our prayers tend to be a bit predictable, see. Sometimes I wonder if God hears me coming, sighs and nods because he knows what I’m about to say or what I’m about to ask for. Thighs that don’t jiggle, a miraculous and total disappearance of gravity on my face, the ability to hate French fries… Oh! And a healthy family. Of course, I say the healthy family part first.

Instead of saying what we always say or asking for what we always ask for, let’s change it up. Let’s change the script.  Instead of asking God to bring all sorts of newness into our lives, maybe the growth he desires for us is in the resurrection of something we had, but lost.

Maybe we could try some prayers like these…

God, please resurrect my marriage. Please soften my heart and re-ignite a genuine interest in my partner. Give me new empathy and a desire to be half of what makes us whole. 

God, please resurrect the faith my children have in you. They had it when they were younger, it was budding and they were learning. But, culture and busy schedules have taken hold and secured their attention. Help me say the right words at the right time that will influence them to feel safe and inspired under your care.

God, please resurrect my career. I want to be relevant and feel needed, so please point me in the direction you’d have me go. Please show me where you want me so I can support myself and the people who depend on me. If I need to learn something new, please make that abundantly clear. I want to live all parts of my life in service to you, so please show me where I need to be for that to happen.

God, please resurrect my health. If I am to learn a new way to go through these days, give me an open heart and mind to accept and learn that. Please give me the strength to follow best practices and listen to the guidance of the people you’ve put before me. Give me patience, God, to see how you will use me during this season.

God, please resurrect my courage. I was once eager to try new things, but now fear makes me timid. Help me remember your Holy Spirit lives inside me as my counselor and protector.  Help me remember you are always at my right hand and there is nothing too big, too heavy or too scary for you.

What is the Lazarus in your life that you want God to bring back? Just talk to him. Plainly and honestly. And sorry if I’m the one who wore out that whole toned thigh topic.

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men. 1 Samuel 2:26