We started the second session of our Daniel Study this evening at my house. During our prayer time I realized how awkward I felt praying aloud. It seems as if everyone else is so much more comfortable than I am. I stumble on my words. I wish I didn't get so nervous. I found this picture of myself the other day and was reminded about that awkward stage as a little girl. I so wanted to fit in, but just look at those pigtails. And that was picture day! I know God doesn't care how eloquently my prayers come out. He knows my heart, right? It was just very awkward and I could feel my face getting red. I'm so glad I don't have to be perfect. God still loves me and I am pretty sure you do too!
By the way, thanks!
Love,
Angie xoxo
12 comments:
Oh, I used to just sit quietly when there was prayer where anyone could pray out loud. Then I started to realize that I wasn't talking to the others, I was talking to Him! That made it so much easier! Yes, He does and so do I!
I still sometimes am at that place, but what helped me was to "just do it." I take a deep breath and get comfortable with a moment of silence or start with a general sentence that can kind of get me centered. The other thing that helped me was to pray out loud at home by myself as it kept me more focused. I still feel awkward, sometimes, but my audience is the Lord, so I try to get over what others may think. Hope this helps. Sorry for the unsolicited advice. You get what you pay for, so don't take me too seriously! Love you, and most of all this evening, am so relating to that red face and embarrassed feeling. Love, annie
What a cutie! Even the pigtils! I had 2 neices and one of them had pigtails that hung halfway down her back. One day she cut one of them off...at the scalp. My sister was mortified, and the poor child loked pitiful..but we have a great story to tell!
I have 2 things to say about your post...well 3 if you count the above :)
My youngest son would start his prayers (when he was little),
"God, ....." My husband thought that this sounded disrespectful. I felt that it just showed that Ian felt as if he was talking to a friend. So, we left it alone.
I have worked with preschool children since I was in college, and pray with them often through the day. I try to teach them that we can pray about anything. When I pray with them, I always pray in language that they will understand...leaving out all the flourishes and the thees and thous, etc. Just plain simple language. I realized after several years that I had begun praying this way aloud, even around adults. Even to the fact that I automatically folded my hands under my chin. I mentioned to a friend that I knew I sounded so juvenile when I prayed and I was going to have to work on that. She stopped me and said, "Don't you dare. I love to hear you pray, because it is so pure...no extras...just a conversation with God." Thinking about that I realized that was exactly how I wanted to pray...all the time...exactly what I was feeling...no extras and worrying about finding 'big words'. Just like talking to my Daddy.
I can relate to this. I grew up in a conservative church, women were not allowed to speak in the service at all and there wasn't much prayer...other than maybe asking blessings over a meal at lunch with friends. Now that I am in a different church there is much prayer and I have been going to weekly prayer in the mornings. I have a small voice and although I'm 6'1" tall they refer to me as sweet little Annie which always amuses me. I am praying for more boldness. I pray privately and feel very comfortable talking to God.
Your little picture is so cute by the way!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I love that picture of you! It really is adorable! I totally understand your struggle. I certainly struggle with that also.
Yep, I understand. I always felt like I never fit in. I still feel like I need a place to fit in. That's why you and all the other nice ladies in "Blogville" make me feel accepted and that I fit in. I know God know I cant be perfect, but my stinkin' self strives for it.
P.S. God Bless you!!
Blessings in Christ
For sure God loves you and we do, too. I love your beautiful eyes which have shone in every picture. Mine are ho-hum blue/grey/green or what ever:)
Ang,
Girl I totally understand. Public speaking has always TERRIFIED ME! So to pray out loud in front of people freaks me out. I was always taught that prayer was personal and never witnessed people praying out loud from their hearts before. I too feel like I fumble through it. HOwever no one else thinks that way - trust me!! And the more you do it the easier it will get :)
God bless you for your obedience and dedication to Him!
Blessings,
Kim
ANg - how precious!! I love it!! I don't think I could even find a kid picture of me. I was the second child 5 years after number 1 and so there are not many. ha!
I understand your nervousness and awkwardness. It does get easier with time. Never stop!! you encourage so many!!
Have a wonderful day!
I would have proudly been your friend, Ang!
Your prayers come from a loving and precious heart. Keep on doing what your are doing just as you are doing it. You make your Father proud!
Praying for you and your Bible study.
Love,
Holly
oh i love this sweet little picture. I can so say that you are a lot more free than i am because i felt so ugly as a child i dont want anyone seeing my pics. isnt that weird.
the Lord loves your prayers fumbling and all!!
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