Is war the only language you think Yahweh speaks?
Dear God, I read this poem this morning by Anna Friedrich that was inspired by a story in 2 Kings 13 with Elisha. The poem is much longer than this, but these are the first words of it, and they really struck me. We can be very specific about the prayers we bring to you. I could take the word “war” and replace it with any number of words that would describe the kinds of prayers we bring to you.
- Is war the only language you think Yahweh speaks?
- Is medicine the only language you think Yahweh speaks?
- Is poverty the only language you think Yahweh speaks?
- Is parenting the only language you think Yahweh speaks?
- Is marriage the only language you think Yahweh speaks?
I think all of us are guilty of not bringing all of our lives to you. The successes. The failures. The concerns. The hopes and dreams. A lot of these things I think I can handle myself. I was listening to two different podcasts this week wonder out loud about our response to the Los Angeles wild fires. What is our response as Christians. If we pray, what do we pray? What should we pray? What actions should accompany our prayer.
My wife and I spend a lot of time talking together. People ask what we talk about. I couldn’t tell you. We just talk. Is my relationship with you the same, or do I just bring you the big things?
Father, you are interested in all of me. Help me to know how to make all of me available to you. You are my God and my king. You are my savior and redeemer. You are my teacher and counselor. You are my confidant and my confessor. You are my friend. It’s weird, but you love me. And I love you. Help me to know how to love you better.
I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,
Amen
Emails to God 