Tenacious Questioning

Here’s another of Scotty Smith’s prayers that I particularly enjoyed. As I’ve said before, what I like about these prayers is how real they are; they’re not full of fancy words and Christianese. They’re not too polished or perfect—they’re just heartfelt prayers. If you didn’t read it a couple of days ago, be sure to read A Prayer About My Dad’s Welcome Home [2].

In the meantime, here is “A Prayer About Jesus' Tenacious Questioning.”

Jesus, we're always vulnerable to the destructive power of sin, but it seems like we're especially vulnerable when there's some kind of emotional upheaval in our hearts. Like Cain, when we're angry and sulking about something or someone (Abel), we can be easily "had" by sin, giving into its desire--its seductive and destructive ways. O for the Day when the season of sin's pleasure will be ended forever (Heb. 11:25; Rev. 21:1-5).

Jesus, thank you for tenaciously pursing us and asking searching questions like, "Why are you angry?", or, "Why are you so downcast?", or "What do you fear?", or "Why are you so quiet and distant?" Though you know the answer to these and every question you ask, we probably don't. Gracious heart-knower, show us our hearts... show me my heart. What are these emotions really saying? What sins are waiting to take these feelings and have a destructive field day?

I wish we only had to think about the sin that's crouching just outside the door--the tempter and temptress without just waiting to pounce. But the truth is, Jesus, until you return to finish making all things new, we've got to be wise to the sin that's crouching inside of us, as well. Like Paul, the very things we don't want to do, we still do... and the very things we want to do, they're not easily done. We long for more freedom to live and to love as we're loved by you.

How I praise you there's no condemnation hanging over me for my sin... for you hung on the cross in my place. How I praise you that to be tempted is not an act of sin, for even you, Jesus, were tempted. I would despair if this were not the case. You have mastered sin for us. You've exhausted its penalty and broken it's power. Sin will not have dominion over us ever again.

In this good news... in this gospel.. I trust today. As you show me my vulnerable heart, Jesus, show me your compassionate and loving heart ten times over. That will more than meet my need. So very Amen, I pray, in your strong, present and redeeming name.