Today Beth and Jenna chat about what it looks like to be honest in prayer. What happens when you’ve changed but nothing around has? What do you do when your perspective shifts, but your circumstances remain the same?
Beth and I often reminisce about a special day in the Garden of Gethsemane while on pilgrimage in Israel. It was such a delightful experience, filled with laughter and joy, a stark contrast to the solemnity of the place.
As we walked through the olive grove—still preserved and breathtaking—I couldn’t help but think about how the location held so much history. It’s amazing to think that a stone’s throw away was where the disciples were, and yet they missed such a pivotal moment. It makes me wonder, how often do we miss the significant moments in our own lives?
Prayer: A Deep and Honest Relationship
In our quest for a deeper relationship with God, we often find ourselves grappling with honesty in prayer. It’s easy to slip into a routine of prayer agendas—lists of what we want or need. But what if we flipped the script? What if prayer was less about asking and more about being?
Sometimes, we need to be brutally honest with ourselves and with God. I’ve found that walking into prayer can feel like an escape, but I’ve learned that I must confront the chaos of my life first. Only then can I find that peace. This vulnerability can feel daunting, but it’s necessary. We have to be open about our struggles, our joys, and everything in between.
Embracing Vulnerability
It’s a simple starting point to tell God how we feel, but it opens the door to deeper conversation. From there, we can explore feelings that we hadn’t even acknowledged before. Maybe we're sad about a friendship or frustrated with work. Starting with honesty allows us to peel back the layers and get to the core.
But let’s not forget the lighter moments too! God wants to hear about our joys as much as our struggles. “Today was fantastic because…” can be just as powerful. Gratitude is a crucial part of our relationship with Him.
The Power of Prayer and Community
One of my favorite things about prayer is that it doesn’t have to be done alone. We can lean on our community. I often think about how my relationships with friends mirror my relationship with God. If I have friends who know me deeply, it helps me feel more comfortable being honest with God. But I also realize that not everyone has that support system.
So how can we foster that? By encouraging one another to share our hearts, to press in deeper. It’s essential to cultivate those relationships, whether through small groups, spiritual advisors, or even just good friends who are willing to listen.
Connecting with God in Everyday Life
We can also find God in the simple moments, like enjoying a cup of coffee on a balcony or taking a walk. It doesn’t have to be grand; it just needs to be genuine. The more we invite Him into our lives, the more we’ll feel His presence.
Final Thoughts
In a world filled with distractions, it’s easy to compartmentalize our lives. But God desires an honest relationship with us. He wants us to bring all of ourselves—our worries, our joys, and our mundane moments—into our conversations with Him. Remember, it’s not about having the perfect prayer agenda; it’s about being real and authentic.
As we continue this journey, let’s embrace vulnerability and openness with God, knowing that He loves us no matter what. We love to use prayer journals in prayer to help us in this posture of honesty. And if you’re looking for more resources to deepen your faith, check out our Catholic Resources for helpful guides.
Let’s keep encouraging each other to pray, to be honest, and to grow in our relationship with the Lord. Together, we can navigate the beautiful and sometimes messy journey of faith.
Until next time, let’s keep seeking Him in all that we do!
Jenna Guizar is a wife and mama in sunny AZ. She pretends to love football for her husband, reads lots of books to her seven lovely babes, and tries not to burn mac n cheese on the daily. In between football games, reading books, and [not] burning mac n cheese, she is the Founder + Creative Director of Blessed is She women’s ministry + community. Find out more about her here.
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