Prayer 556 - Week 5, Friday

I really love this translation of this passage-- is it the Message? I feel like "shameless audacity" is a really inspiring term. It implies asking for something that's almost unreasonable, that the person asked isn't likely to give--but just in case he happens to have three loaves of bread left from that day's baking, I'll ask anyway.

Historically, I've only prayed like this when I'm in a desperate situation, when I can't see the way God might possibly answer. This has been when I was literally stuck somewhere (a car broke down, stuck in China) or in desperate financial situations.

But recently, I haven't had those sorts of cars, and I've had roadside assistance. I had a similar stuck feeling at work a couple years ago, and my supervisor suggested working ten months. I haven't felt desperate in quite a while.

So this devotional and this translation of this passage is really making me think bigger! I'm praying for audacious things, and praying that I can leave the distraction of my own inadequacy behind.

Audacious praying! I believe my prayers for revival through the years have been the most audacious. I yearn to see a Pentecost revival-a Great Awakening! I Know God has blessed In so many ways and I am grateful. I remember going to Toronto and Pensacola and bathing in the joy as I saw people coming to the Lord. I want to see that happen among us. Pastor Wendell used to talk of a “Kingdom mentality”. While I would like it to happen at UCC, I would love to see it in every Church-throughout the city-throughout the region and by God’s grace throughout the world. I yearn for people to hunger and thirst for righteousness and justice FOR JESUS!!!! I am filled with hope as I think of Daniel and Zachariah who were both told, “Your prayers have been heard”. In both cases, the answer had been delayed. In Daniels’s case, it was spiritual warfare. In Zachariah’s case, it was waiting for the appointed time. In my dreams, I have seen revival. I continue to cry out in this audacious prayer, “More Lord”.

I have always been confused by this passage. I did not understand what it meant to pray audaciously. I wondered why the person would not get the bread because it was a friend, but it seemed like he would get the bread because the friend was nagging him. I guess I did not understand the concept of praying audaciously. In thinking about this concept, I think the thing I have prayed most Audaciously would be for the salvation of my family. I have never really thought of it in that term, but have felt that maybe I was “nagging“ the Lord rather than “ twisting his arm“. I did not feel that I had the right to approach the Lord “ audaciously”. I think that when I pray about the salvation of my family, I will approach the Lord differently now that I have read the comments regarding this passage. It has made me think about continuing to pray.

How inspiring! My prayers recently have focused on finding faithful and inspiring people who will accept me and Julia and to journey with us in hope and prayer! Until now, here with all of you, I’ve not had this in years! This week, God has given me supportive people for my faith journey. You’re filling my empty spirit with Hope. I’m being purified of my self-doubt and my vengeful thoughts of past wrongs and deceit. He’s giving me the confidence to reach out to create an inclusive community program for the next chapter in my journey with Julia that can include her older brother, Brian, as he seeks to be closer in spirit and location to us. Hearing this verse presented with idea of Audacious Prayer gives me the confidence to ask for help, seek the wisdom I need to step out in faith and to knock on the doors that Jesus reveals to me. Amen!