30 Days of Prayer

Ever feel that tug in your gut?
That nagging, gnawing, persistent thought/emotion/urge that just won't let up?

No?  Well then you can stop reading.
For the rest, you get what I'm saying.

Yesterday I blogged about getting my butt off of the "it's all about me" couch and instead jumping back on the "it's really about God" train.

It's not that easy. I do know that.  For those of you who may have been annoyed at that post, I really do get it.  I know better than anyone that working on letting go of hurt and pain and frustration is just that: work.

And me, the problem-solver, task-attacker that I am wants a plan of action so I can see results.

We're people.  Not flow charts.
This life is a process.

But I did have an idea smack me upside the head.
(Actually, nag me for the past 4 months is more like it).

Much of my pouty self-focus has stemmed from hurt I've felt from people.  People who've not apologized; maybe not even realized that they've caused me pain. (And before you go there, I know the word of God addresses how to handle situations when others have sinned against you.  I have perspective in that arena that I may or may not share another time.  Today's focus is on my own heart in the meantime).
It has been easy for me to dwell.
On my hurt.  On my anger.  On my poor pitiful self.
(All justified, mind you.  As are your pains as well).

Yet.
How?  How on earth can I just let it all go?
(Insert recent overplayed Disney song here).

It doesn't have to be complicated.
It also cannot remotely be fabricated.
It is honest, heart-felt, gut-wrenchingly real prayer.

This month, as I accepted the challenge to 30 days of prayer for the Ukraine, I also challenge myself to 30 days of prayer for those who have caused me pain.  There may be days my prayer focuses on one individual.  There may be days when I pray for a group.  But at the end of this month, my overall hope is that my heart towards all I pray for will be softened and better able to forgive, and love, and let go.

It will be painful. I plan to pour my heart out to my Great Love and let the tears wash me clean in His never-failing Love. 
Some days I predict will be unbearably challenging.  I trust God to provide the grace I will need. 
Some days will be healing. 
Overall, I predict freedom.

Have you been hurt?
I know you have.
Will you join me?
We can encourage each other.
Let's pour our hearts out.
Let's beg God to comfort.
Let's ask Him to bless our hurtful neighbor.
Let's allow Him to heal the broken.
Our broken.

Let's pray.