Me, first.

"Give me . . . . Forgive me . . . . Lead me . . . ." -- The Lord's Prayer

One of the hardest things to do, for so many people (including me), is to ask for prayer. Our hearts are aching, we are filled with sorrow or burdened beyond what we can bear-- but still we feel uncomfortable asking someone to pray for us. (Seriously-- have you ever consciously prayed the Lord's Prayer in first person? Try it.)

After all, in the scheme of starving children and nations torn by wars, our pain cannot possibly be that bad-- by comparison.

But here's the deal: Life is not a comparison or a contest. Your pain, your sorrows are legitimately yours. And you are as entitled to prayer as the next person.

In fact-- Jesus, when he prayed, prayed first for himself, then for his closest friends, then for the priesthood of all believers. 

It's true-- check it out. In John 17, Jesus first prays for himself, then for those closest to him, and then the next "circle" out. Because he knew that if he was spiritually unfit, he would be less effective in his ministry. He needed to acknowledge his own pain first-- and unabashedly.

Drawing close to the Almighty is a necessary first step before reaching out to another. And there is no shame, no weakness in acknowledging that we are hurting and broken. (News flash: We all are.)

If the burden is too heavy to bear, ask. Allow another the blessing of walking with you. Do not make excuses or diminish the extent of your hurt. True, there are probably others whose struggles are greater-- but your struggles matter, too. 


Go ahead. Lay it down. And walk away. Do not feel like you need it back. God is more than willing to handle your junque.

Lord God, help us remember that we are allowed to pray for ourselves. Really. Amen.

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