Fresh Manna | Why Pray |

I'm 33 years old and I think I've probably had my entire prayer life wrong. God has been opening my eyes…yes, I have been blind but now I see. I've read this scripture what seems like a thousand times and I seem to always stop mid sentence "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it…" [John 14:13] In all honesty, I stop there because I'm really not confident in that statement. I've been stuck on those words going "Really God? Are you sure about that? Was that a promise just for them or does it apply to me too?" Then I came across this story that made that scripture come alive for me…

Rick was born in 1962 to Dick and Judy Hoyt. As a result of oxygen deprivation to Rick's brain at the time of his birth, Rick was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. Dick and Judy were advised to institutionalize Rick because there was no chance of him recovering, and little hope for Rick to live a "normal" life. In the spring of 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped." This realization was just the beginning of what would become over 1,000 races completed, including marathons, duathlons and triathlons (6 of them being Ironman competitions). Also adding to their list of achievements, Dick and Rick biked and ran across the U.S. in 1992, completing a full 3,735 miles in 45 days.

Before continuing to read, watch the video..

I know this is one of those "duh" moment but it hit me, I've been so focused on wrestling with the first part of the verse that I've missed the ENTIRE point "…so that the Son can bring glory to the Father." [John 14:13] I am like Rick, who can't do it without the Abba Father…My Daddy; I need his strength to get me through. Because I am His child, all I have to do is ask. There's no power in my request, in fact, it shows my perfect weakness. Yet, at that moment, I've asked My Daddy to step and and help me because I acknowledge that I'm insufficient. Because of my request, He will push, and run, and swim, and carry, and strain behind me to help me finish the race. And in the end, everyone who is standing there watching will see the love of the father being poured out for His child and that is what demands the focus and the glory. Isn't it humbling to know that God CHOOSES the weak and the frail to spread His glory so that He will receive all the honor and praise!!!!!!

Now when I pray, I'll be asking myself how will this request bring GLORY to my father's name. I'm at peace knowing that If another answer (different that my heart's desires) will bring more glory to God, I need to lay at Jesus feet and honestly say let your will be done. Although this is life changing way to evaluate my prayers I sit here and chuckle because of the simplicity. It's been right infront of me the entire time! :) "He who has ears, let him hear." [Matthew 11:15]

Note: Thank you Laureen for sharing this video on FB it was exactly what I needed today!