Goodness, we hit a nerve.
Over 110,000 of you visited my blog last week titled, “Don’t Make Your Grown Children Hate Christmas.”
So many of you came to the blog that my server crashed once, and almost succumbed a second time. That tells me that too many are struggling in this beautiful season that is about Jesus.
So, what can we do about that?
I’m going to share a simple answer, and you might not like it.
Pray.
I didn’t like this answer either when I struggled so many years ago. I wanted God to fix them, or make it all go away. I wanted God to zap that one who said those things that hurt my heart, and for him to forgive me for what I said back.
Pray.
We say Merry Christmas as if it’s all about warm sugar cookies coming out of the oven, or that perfect meal, or the gifts we carefully choose.
While that’s one way we celebrate a tradition, Merry Christmas is really about a struggling young mom huddled in a cold stable with a man she cares about, and a newborn that comes with a God-written story that seems way too big.
It’s God sending his son to a world that will love him, hate him, mock him, crucify him — and a Savior who willingly came, because . . . well, because of love.
For you.
For me.
He also came for that family member who demands you show up at a certain time on a certain day or all heck breaks loose.
For that one who says the wrong thing at the wrong time, or who asks you “when are you going to have a kid?” when you’ve been trying to conceive for four years.
For that grown child who is angry at you.
For that young child who ate too much sugar and just threw tantrum #4 and it’s not even daylight yet.
Praying recognizes that we are people of faith, loved by our Savior.
Prayer reflects that we know where to go when we are frustrated. That we believe that prayer is powerful and life transforming.
Prayer says that we’ll stop in the midst of crazy feelings and all the things we are juggling just to say, “I see you, Jesus,” and to thank him.
Prayer offers wisdom (James 1:5).
Prayer offers direction (Psalm 25:4-5)
Prayer offers peace (John 16:33).
What if we don’t have the words to pray?
When I don’t have the words to pray, I pray scripture. It’s powerful. Somehow those words are just what I need, and they sneak past resentment or frustration and settle in.
It’s acknowledging that, even when I don’t have a clue how to pray or what to do, that God hears me anyway.
Today I want to give you a gift. It’s a printable of five prayers that Jesus prayed.
- Once you print it out, tuck it in your Bible or tape it on your mirror.
- Read the scripture.
- Note how Jesus reached for wisdom and help.
- Read the prayer starter I wrote below the scripture.
These are prayers I’ve prayed based on these specific scriptures.
Maybe these are all the words you need to connect with Jesus in that moment. Maybe it will be the beginning of a conversation between you and God, right where you are.
Download this printable for yourself
Friends, I truly wish you a Merry Christmas, one in which you find Jesus closer than ever.
I’m so grateful for you. Let’s live free . . . together.
Suzie
Merry Christmas Suzie
Thank you for your words of encouragement! I love your suggestion to use scripture in my prayers. Thank you for your gift of prayers.
Yes, “Christmas is God” who loved us so much that he He sent us His Son! To God be the Glory!
This is so good Suzie. I will be praying it through. I will no longer allow family members to make me feel less than and unwanted.
Beautiful, Suzie. Praying for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of each person who needs this message today, and for those who read your excellent, viral post last week.
Just BEAUTIFUL! Love you Suzie. Keep doing what you’re doing. Lives are being changed and blessed through your ministry.
Merry Christmas to you, Richard and your family.
Thank you! This is just what I needed at this moment. God bless you and Merry
Christmas!
How blessed when we pray scripture Suzie. Saying God’s own words back to Him is a tribute to the greatness of His Word. Holy holy holy prayers are what you equipped us to pray – the way Jesus teaches us to pray. Thank you.
Dearest Suzie, thanks so much for these words today. The prayers. Oh, they are precious. I’m going to have that graphic on my phone for sure. I love printed prayers. I write my own and use all the time, but these speak to my heart too. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. They have spoken to me like no other. Going through difficult days and your words are helping me get through each day. Merry Christmas.
I always know when I’m in serious need of your words Suzie. Because when my need is deep, and I read your words, I cry.
The relief. The knowing I am not alone. The knowledge others count on God the way I do. It’s all so soothing.
Thank you sweet Suzie. A Blessed Season to You and Yours.
These are wonderful prayers Suzie, Merry Christmas!
I’ve missed your blogs. Praying for you Suzie and whatever He is doing in your life right now. May today bring much peace in Him. Jn 16:33
I didnt even try to change my mother’s mind when she decided to imply my family didn’t love me this time. Shes been doing this since the day my Father Died. My family requested a quiet at home Thanksgiving so i agreed. 2 clients acused my husband of saying “shut up” during group therapy so he lost a weeks worth of pay while the video tapes were reviewed. A young man exsploded in anger after his clothes were moved off the dining rables after worshing & sharing the gospel for an hour. A pastor made a joke when he learned our little ministry was nondenominational and asked which one of the young adults was Muslim…they had just given the gospel of Christ.
Needless to say…doing an intentional study on Joy, and all the scriptures and prayers and Drawing nearer to Jesus are keeping my heart light even in midst of turmoil