How to pray when everything sucks
...even if it actually doesn't...
I had a friend recently (who I hope to introduce you all to soon) who said something spot on.
This isn’t a direct quote but it the abbreviated version was this, “It’s okay for things to not feel okay even when you are safe, secure, and cared for because…life is hard.”
There have been times in my life where things were really and truly difficult.
I have been down to $.17 in my bank account.
And I mean total. Savings, retirement fund, my little money hidey hole.
Total.
And that was shortly after being forced to resign from a position (or else take a demotion and continue to work with a toxic boss who didn’t respect me as a person or a pastor).
Life was…difficult.
But, even now, when things aren’t terrible. Bills are paid. I have work. My family is okay.
And I still feel like I am suffering.
Because life is hard sometimes. And even praying through it feels daunting.
And, my best advice for those in this spot, is surrounding yourself with people who will pray for you when you can’t do it yourself.
I have a dear friend who we will randomly ask one another, “Gimme a number.” And we have to honestly answer with a number of how we are doing, overall, at that moment.
Anything over a 5 we don’t have to feel obligated to ask about. But anything that hits a 5 or lower means we need to talk.
My second best advice, though, is to just keep praying. Even if it means reading the prayers in this newsletter and calling it a day.
That’s okay.
Because life is hard. Mental health issues are a real thing.
And it’s okay to let people know you need some extra help and prayer.
More to come - got confirmation from my friend who gave me this inspiration that you will, indeed, be meeting him soon.
My prayer for today
Our Father, thank you for the good days and the bad. Thank you for the sucky days and the amazing ones. They are all gifts from you, even when we can’t recognize it. Jesus, help us navigate each day with grace, compassion, and patience (for ourselves and others). Spirit, give us the ability and wisdom to ask for help. Amen.
Remember
Life doesn’t have to be terrible for you to still feel like something is off. And it’s never a bad idea to ask for help…