Squinted prayers


I normally start my day with a plan in mind: I have my grocery list ready, iPhone calendar reminders are set, and I have chicken in the fridge defrosting for dinner. I have my breakfast and coffee in the morning and do my normal routines. But I can't always be in control.

Some days go wonderfully and I'm perky Kathy. Other days I am stressed, bitter, and snappy. It's on those days when I actually prayed this prayer in the morning "Let Your will be done today, God." I find that whenever I pray that at the start of my day the day goes out of whack: I don't get to do everything on my To Do List and everyone seems to need me for something.

Because it's so hard for me to lose control of plans and goals, I force myself to pray that prayer out-loud, every morning. I call them squinted prayers, because I hunch my back and glance up with gritted teeth as I pray that. I feel a little worried but also excited when I pray that because I know my day will be in the best hands, and the best Planner I could ever have for my life.

The first time I prayed a squinted prayer I wasn't worried at all. It was going to be a busy day and I thought "God, You have Your way but I know I'm going to have my heart's desires." But boy was that day bumpy! Too many people needed me and I was so behind of schedule. I didn't want to drive around and I wanted to get done what I "needed" to get done.

I was a huge brat to my husband and my mom that day and I arrived home that evening sad and upset that I didn't get to do everything I wanted -- one huge brat, right? I started to journal my day that evening and vented to God. Then Holy Spirit led me to write two lists: one of things that went wrong and one of things that went right.

As I finished my list I noticed a whooping difference in the lists: the list of things that went wrong was a lot shorter than the things that went right. I was so focused on what wasn't I missed the what was. My day was mostly sunny, not mostly cloudy. It showed me how wonderful God can plan your day. He knows all things! He even knows about the person you complain about that day. He's watching over their needs as much as He's watching over your needs.

He's not trumping one's needs over another because He thinks they're more important, He shows no favoritism. He is just Wise; the most Wise One.

So let go, people! Let go of your plans for the day and allow God to move and rearrange some things in your day. You'll then notice what really matters and what that day was meant for.

For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
— Jeremiah 29:11

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

For God does not show favoritism.
— Romans 2:11

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