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“Lead us in the way everlasting.”

A thought by Craig Groeschel, from his book, Dangerous Prayers Because Following Jesus Was Never Meant to Be Safe, Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book)


That is what we want, isn’t it?

Craig says, “Are you ready to pray this dangerous prayer? Are you prepared to hear what God might show you as you do? Do you have the faith to ask and the courage to obey? Search my heart, God. Reveal my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me. And lead me in the way everlasting.”

He goes on, “Every phrase in this faith-filled cry to God is important. But it’s incomplete without the final passionate prayer—lead me in the way everlasting.

“We don’t want God to just show us the impurity of our hearts. We want more than to simply know our fearful and anxious thoughts. We desire more than just knowing how we are offensive. We want God to lead us, to direct us, to guide us to become who he wants us to be.”

He continues, “When you pause to pray this prayer and listen, God will speak to you. But don’t take this prayer lightly. Don’t pray it half-heartedly. This isn’t a game or a sterile little spiritual exercise to help you have a better day. This is a soul-cleansing, heart-mending, eternity-altering prayer. ‘Lead me.’”

He then says, “As I reflect on my spiritual journey through this prayer, let me recap what God has been showing me.

1.    “Search my heart, God. God showed me my hypocrisy. I often show people the me I want them to see. My words honor God, but my heart can be far from him. 
2.    Know my anxious thoughts. I’m scared to death of not measuring up. I’m haunted by my insecurities. I’m paralyzed with fear that I don’t have what it takes to please people. 
3.    See if there is any offensive way in me. Time and again, I’ve put the approval of people ahead of the approval of God. I’ve battled with wanting to be liked by people more than wanting to express my love for God. 
4.    Lead me. And this is where the rubber meets the road. This is where things get real. This is where genuine, Spirit-filled, life-altering change becomes possible.”

He later says, “Are you tired of boring, safe, sterile prayers? Are you stuck in a spiritual rut? Is your faith fat? Your passion low? Are you hungry for more? And ready to obey?

“Then venture out into the deep waters of communication with God. Open your heart to healing from a divine God. Step into the beauty of God’s forgiveness and grace. Seek his unfailing, unconditional, and unquenchable love. And have the courage to pray this dangerous prayer. But don’t just pray it. Respond to what he shows you. Step through your greatest fear and into faith. Embrace your deepest need and let it drive you to depend on Christ.”

That’s what He wants, and that’s what we want, isn’t it?  

 Yes, yes!
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