59 comments

Carrie Gaul

Prayer Stroke

Posted on 02.27.12 by Carrie Gaul

Have you heard? Each weekday leading up to the Thursday, March 1 release of True Woman 101: Divine Design, we’re giving away a copy at random right here to one commenter on each day’s post! (Please just submit one comment below.)   

 

I’ll never forget that long night in the ICU. Grandma’s face was etched with frustration and confusion. Her speech was garbled, and her arms flailed again and again, reaching desperately for something that seemed just beyond her grasp. These memories came rushing back recently as I read these words from Paul Miller’s book A Praying Life:

“Our natural desire to pray comes from Creation. We are made in the image of God. Our inability to pray comes from the fall. Evil has marred the image. We want to talk to God but can’t. The friction of our desire to pray, combined with our badly damaged prayer antennae, leads to constant frustration. It’s as if we’ve had a stroke.” 

I understand! I’ve walked with the Lord for over thirty-five years, but there are still seasons when my prayers resemble the garbled yet desperately sincere words of a stroke victim struggling to communicate how she feels and what she needs. Times when my attempts to connect with the Lord seem like a desperate flailing for something just beyond my reach. 

That’s why I’ve been so encouraged by the practical insights in A Praying Life. The author acknowledges the huge disconnect between what we know about our ability to run into the Throne Room of Heaven freely, and our all too frequent struggle to stay in His presence for even a few minutes before our mind wanders, unsure of what else to say. The resulting guilt, shame, and condemnation slowly erodes even our desire to come to Him. 

Have you been there? I sure have! That’s why these reminders of Jesus’ criteria for coming have been so good for my soul:

Come weary and heavy-laden (Matt. 11:28).   

Did you catch that? Jesus invites us to come when we’re overwhelmed with life. Come with our wandering mind. Come messy. Are you having trouble concentrating today? Are the problems you’re facing like claws in your brain? Do you have so many problems you don’t even know where to start? That’s exactly how Jesus wants you to come! Then,  

Come as little children (Matt. 18:3). 

Come without pretense.

“Don’t try to get the prayer right; just tell God where you are and what’s on your mind. That’s what little children do. They come as they are, runny noses and all.” –Paul Miller

Have you come today to your Abba Father today? Has your helplessness and neediness driven you into His presence? Or are you cowering in shame because prayer seems so hard?

Think for a moment on this truth:

“Prayer mirrors the gospel. We look at the inadequacy of our praying and give up, thinking something is wrong with us. God looks at the adequacy of his Son and delights in our sloppy, meandering prayers.” –Paul Miller

Won’t you join me as we run eagerly and expectantly—messy and needy—into the arms of our Abba Father today?   

Comments

  1. Wow! Exactly what I needed to hear this morning. The gospel and it's truth are very much a need in the life of growing mature believers! Thank you for this TRUTH! I always feel guilt and bondage and I know this is not of the Lord, amazing how the truth sets you FREE!
    kingdombusiness07.blogspot.com
    posted by Nicole
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:16 am
  2. Thank you for your post. My prayer time today was exactly that. I was tired and afraid AND frustrated reaching for peace and for grace. Thank you again.
    posted by FC
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:19 am
  3. How true! In the last few years as I have struggled with "chemo brain" from the chemo pill, my prayer has been, "Please God, don't let me forget YOU!"
    After years of tending to my parents who had Alzheimer's and Dementia, I was looking forward to time with my wonderful husband; friends; hopefully going on mission trips; etc. Instead, I stuggle to remember events; places; etc.
    Praise God! I am improving! It's a slow process, but God is faithful! My husband has been so very supportive; loving; and kind. I am blessed.
    posted by J Adams
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:31 am
  4. Were you listening in while I was praying? LOL! Thank you for your obedience in righting this post. It was truly right on time!
    posted by Aja
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:35 am
  5. This article was written for me. Recently I had an episode that affected my speech and my vision for a short time. This was very frightening to me and my husband. The Dr ruled out stroke or mini-stroke, so I really don't know what caused it. But now I think God allowed it so I could relate to this article "Prayer Stroke". Thank you for this sweet story. Helps me understand my "Prayer strokes" at times.
    posted by Nina Parks
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:38 am
  6. This is something I really needed to hear! Thank you so much for sharing your story!!!
    posted by Holly H
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:59 am
  7. I was up a little after 4:00 a.m. this morning trying to pray and feeling this same that you've just described...frustrated...wanting to pour out my heart to God and you are trying to do it but don't feel like your prayer is reaching heaven. Begging God to help me be humble and child-like...this was my prayer this morning. I need God so much and I need Jesus so much in my life and I can't afford to be have an attitude or defiant spirit but too often I find myself getting defensive and even if I don't say anything to anyone verbally, for days and even weeks my heart and mind are arguing and are in turmoil.

    So yes, I know what you are talking about. I'm sitting at my desk at work now (about 7:57 a.m.) and I really want to go to sleep but I can't. There is work to be done and my heart is still crying out to the Lord, please have mercy on me and help me be humble and child-like. I need that kind of heart attitude toward God and the Lord Jesus and I'm afraid that I've been far from it lately.

    Jodi C.
    posted by Jodi C.
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 8:06 am
  8. Thanks, Carrie, for sharing that. I feel guilty when I pray myself to sleep--like it's disrespectful. Or I wake up and start to pray, but my prayers become incoherent as I drift back and forth between sleep and prayer. Once I'm fully alert, I pray again. Do you think God cares about/hears my "sleepy prayers?"
    posted by Tracy
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 8:30 am
  9. So Timely!!! Felt this very thing just this morning, my Father knew I needed to hear this. Thank You!!!
    posted by Kim
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 8:43 am
  10. I echo all that you posted this day. I am especially looking forward to purchasing this book and discovering so much more about prayer.
    posted by janie
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 8:53 am
  11. It's so encouraging to know that God loves us so much that He is patient with us as we "sloppily" come before Him, unlike we would be if we were coming before the President or King of our country. Yet He, in His love and tenderness for us, listens and, more unbelievable, even answers us in our weak attempt for request for help. How good our God is!!!! Praise God, for knowing how frail and human we are - and loving us anyways!!!
    posted by Pamela
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 8:57 am
  12. "Come as little children" (Matt. 18:3). How true! We need to remember to come to God in prayer with all things...nothing is too small (as a child might pray) or too big for our Great God!
    posted by Sue
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 9:00 am
  13. Thank you for this helpful and encouraging post. I so desire to pray more often and effectively in the dailiness of life and for our jail ministry and church. The book, A PRAYING LIFE, has been of great help. I stop by this blog most days. God bless you for sharing so much with us which helps in seeking to know Him better and to glorify Him in everything.
    posted by Donna M Rasmussen
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 9:02 am
  14. Thank you. This was just what I needed to read this morning.
    posted by Eloise
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 9:06 am
  15. Thank you for this truth today! Lately, I have been stumbling in my prayer life, even asking God to teach me how to pray. This is just the encouragement I need. I also plan to dive into this book ASAP! Thank you for this ministry that God uses to speak to my heart and shape my life over and over again :)
    posted by Angie H
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 9:12 am
  16. I've read this book and it changed how I think about praying and how I pray. Excellent book and post. Thank you.
    Happy Monday.
    www.jodylynne.com
    posted by Jody
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 9:24 am
  17. So thankful we serve a God that desires us to come to Him.
    Thanks for the post. :)
    posted by Kim Zolman
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 9:29 am
  18. OH, God, continue to search my heart see if there be any wicked way in me...I pray for a removal of any pride in my life, confession of my sin, and a clean heart before you. May your name be glorified in my life today!May you do above and beyond what I could ask or pray, for there is none like you!
    posted by kathy
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 10:03 am
  19. Thank you for sharing this book with us. Sometimes, a few practical ideas are all we need to deepen our relationship with Christ.
    posted by Susan
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 10:17 am
  20. Thank you, Lord, for this reminder today! Such an encouragement and exactly what i needed to hear! He just want to hear from me, He doesn't care what I have to say or how good it sounds. He knows my heart.
    posted by Heather Drollinger
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 10:49 am
  21. This book on prayer sounds very helpful! Thanks for your post on it today.
    I feel like this much of the time in my alone prayer times. So I crave the encouragement this book sounds like it gives. I love the quote of Paul Miller at the end here. “Prayer mirrors the gospel. We look at the inadequacy of our praying and give up, thinking something is wrong with us. God looks at the adequacy of his Son and delights in our sloppy, meandering prayers.” –Paul Miller
    Thank you Lord for your sovereign care and your unfailing love!
    posted by Judy
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:22 am
  22. I struggle so much with a wandering mind! This post was so comforting -- just what I needed to read this morning. Thank you for sharing!
    www.myceaselesspraise.blogspot.com
    posted by Kori
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:51 am
  23. Thank you for submitting this.
    posted by Paula
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:58 am
  24. Thank you for this message. I have always felt inadequate when trying to pray, especially out loud in a group. The simple truth is all that is needed.
    God Bless,
    posted by Janet
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 12:11 pm
  25. Hello Carrie:

    Thank you so much for your post, and for the book recommendation. I am a bookworm....I will be sure to check it out!
    Two verses come to mind regarding prayer: Psalm 62:8 "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." The other verse is found in Rom. 8:26 "Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." What a comfort to know that even if I am not able to articulate what I really want to say to the Lord, the Holy Spirit is interpreting my "garblings" to the Lord, and the other wonderful thing is that the Spirit is interceding in accordance with God's will!
    Blessings,
    Arlene
    posted by Arlene
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 12:28 pm
  26. My prayer life is an area in my spiritual life that needs a lot of improvement. Most of the time my prayers are routine, short, and distracted. I would love for my prayer life to get to the point where I am constantly talking to God throughout the day about every little thing that comes along. Prayer is one of the topics I have been studying on so I'll have to check out this book to help me in my study.
    posted by Beth Anne
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 1:50 pm
  27. I am reminded by this article that I have an Advocate who is familiar with our thoughts and suffering. Thank-you Jesus, for being my Great High Priest!
    posted by Lora Schultze
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 2:33 pm
  28. Running, running! The past few days I have been trying to drop my sort of prideful, know it all prayers and run to my Savior as a child, admitting that I know so little..
    posted by Kaiakai
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 2:33 pm
  29. I remember back to those first years after suicide loss of my 1st husband....I couldnt get past my wailings of widowhood, my screams of heartache &loss and growing silent in my STROKE of valley crawling. Turns out he indeed HEARD my cries.. Isaiah 61:1-3.
    Thank you for this post today.. it reaches deeply into my soul.
    https://www.facebook.com/StillyBee
    posted by Mary Tullila
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 2:33 pm
  30. My mind is always wandering when I try to pray from my heart! Thank you for this encouraging article!
    posted by Laura
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 2:35 pm
  31. Be Still and Know that I am - this is what I sometimes do after I simply pray God what do you want me to do. I have an easy time praying but I difficult time understanding why sometimes I am not able to hear. I am currently unemployed and searching for where he wants me right now. I am waiting quietly and searching. Sometimes being still and just waiting can be the most difficult part!
    posted by Tracy Turner-Hillbish
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 2:36 pm
  32. Just the encouraging words I needed to hear today! I have read Paul Miller's book, and NOW I remember that part, but not until you reminded me of it. How wuickly Inforget! I had already gone back to being guilt-ridden over my lack of smooth-flowing words, especially when I am burdened to pray in the middle of the night. I do stumble saying just the right words to the Father, but I love that He only sees the adequacy of His Son and delights in my faltering words...plus the Holy Spirit is making intercession!!! Sounds like a winning combination to me!
    posted by Vicki Erb
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 2:46 pm
  33. “Don’t try to get the prayer right; just tell God where you are and what’s on your mind. That’s what little children do. They come as they are, runny noses and all.” –Paul Miller

    I love this quote. So often we try to get our "prayer right" before we come to the Lord. However, it is so reassuring to know that He just wants us to come as we are... He doesn't want us to figure out how to word the burdens on our hearts before we come to Him. That is what prayer is for.

    "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." -1 Peter 5:7

    I am so, so thankful for this promise, this reassurance that He cares so much.
    www.agirlsjourneywithGod.blogspot.com
    posted by Molly Sipling
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 2:54 pm
  34. I really needed this!

    Thank you so much.
    posted by Regina Mew
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:02 pm
  35. I was thinking this morning about a phrase from a Puritan prayer, that I need to "repent from my repenting". I am aware that even my prayers of repentance come up short of what they ought to be. I am so thankful that God's grace covers our weakness in prayer.
    www.sickmiller.blogspot.com
    posted by Stacey Sickmiller
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:02 pm
  36. Exactly how I felt today, overwhelmed and crushed with burdens but no words and a wandering mind.......and a runny nose, literally! Thanks for the encouraging words and reminder that Jesus is enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    posted by Leslie Hyre
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:11 pm
  37. thank you so much for the encouragement today. God's timing is so perfect...i want my prayer life to be so much more than it is right now. i long for time with Him....
    posted by Barb R.
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:15 pm
  38. A Praying Life... has been a great encouragement to our family and church family. Our church has been studying this book during out small group times (3 separate ones). What a blessing!
    posted by adriana
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:18 pm
  39. Thanks for this post- I have trouble putting my words into a prayer too. I am so glad that God understands the groans and murmers of my heart, and that all HE wants is for me to come to Him in prayer!
    posted by Marilyn
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:24 pm
  40. Thank-you for this particular encouragement towards a devotional life. So much of what I read on this blog really helps me out as I seek to be more devoted to God and live in glory to Him.
    posted by Michelle
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:25 pm
  41. Thanks for the post. I always enjoy reading each day.
    posted by Kim
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:26 pm
  42. I am as messy as I can be lately and felt a lot of relef reading this just now! Thank you!
    posted by Kelly
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:38 pm
  43. We wouldn't think of not brushing our teeth, taking a shower, or putting on clean clothes each day. Yet too often we forget to put on the clean heart that comes from a righteous and earnest prayer life. Doesn't have to take more time or effort, but we don't see prayer as essential.
    Thanks for sharing ways to make prayerful living part of every day.
    posted by Laura
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:52 pm
  44. Great reminder! :)
    posted by Crafty Mama
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 4:09 pm
  45. I've been stumbling around not knowing what to do, how to pray, feeling "messy", confussed, and unfocused. I am thankful for the opportunity to read this bolg today. Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for caring for us all to share. And thank you for loving the Lord and sharing how He has worked in your life.
    posted by Christina Fortier
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 4:17 pm
  46. What a blessing to read the post. Just attended a mini-retreat at our church where we were blessed with a video presentation from True Womanhood. Have followed Nancy for years......appreciate her godly wisdom.
    posted by Sandy Thomas
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 4:39 pm
  47. My prayer life is weak. I know this and still struggle. Thank you for the reminder of how precious our communication to God is!
    posted by Meg
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 4:48 pm
  48. What an encouragement. I really needed this today. Nancy is such a blessing; I'm really thankful for the ministry!
    posted by Janice Williams
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 5:22 pm
  49. That is a wonderful reminder!! Thank you!
    chronicwarrior.com
    posted by Myrical Barton
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 5:42 pm
  50. My prayer life is in desperate need of revival. It is such a challenge some days to really sit before the throne and listen to what He has to teach me.
    posted by Kylie Betts
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 5:54 pm
  51. Thank you for this article. There are times and it seems when the is also great that I can't even begin to form the words to ask God for his assistance. I am so thankful that my prayer does not have to be well formulated for the Lord to listen to me as he already knows my request before I even utter a word. Thank you Lord.
    posted by Maggie Garza
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 6:25 pm
  52. Thank you so much for this blog. I am doing a bible study on Prayer in my church right now and this just echoes what is being taught in it. And I know when things like that happen it is the Lord's way of telling us to pay attention! Again, thank you and God Bless you for your insight.
    posted by Sue Perham
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 6:58 pm
  53. Thank-you for this particular encouragement towards a devotional life. So much of what I read on this blog really helps me out as I seek to be more devoted to God and live in glory to Him.
    posted by Michelle
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:47 pm
  54. Thank you for the encouraging word. The Word of God is vital for life.
    posted by Grace Larson
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:50 pm
  55. I find myself trying to manipulate situations even ones that I know feel sure will have a negative impact on my sons. Instead I need to take them to my Father Who is sovereign and all mighty and all loving. I know I can trust Him. I think Christians should read book after book on prayer. This will keep them on their knees. Blessings to you ladies. :)
    posted by Karen Playford
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 10:08 pm
  56. Anxiously waiting for true woman 101. !!! Exelent blog
    posted by Maria-Elena Hernandez
    on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:30 pm
  57. Wow!! That is exactly what I struggle with.
    Thank you.
    posted by Autumn
    on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 8:19 am
  58. Just what I needed to hear. It is freeing to hear others struggle with this, even after being a Christian for some time. Reading this gives hope & encouragement.
    True Woman
    posted by Terry Light
    on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 9:02 am
  59. Wasn’t this an encouraging post?!

    Congrats, Meg! You just won a copy of Mary Kassian & Nancy Leigh DeMoss' brand-new "True Woman 101: Divine Design" study. Look for details in your inbox.
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 11:25 am

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