Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs (Memorial)
Pray, lifting up holy hands. (1 Timothy 2:8)
Whats in your hands? In order to lift up holy hands in prayer, you may need to let go of some of the things youre holding on to. Because, lets face it, when we hold on tightly to some things—whether future expectations, past wounds, current resentments, or strident demands—we find it harder to pray with faith and surrender.
We all know how easy it is to hold on to resentments, especially when we feel justified in our anger or bitterness. Or how hard it can be to let go of our judgments about another person, especially when we are convinced that were right. Maybe you and your spouse disagree on the best way to raise your child. You might be praying, Lord, help her recognize Im right, instead of being open to working together to find a solution. You might be angry with God, wondering how he has allowed something bad to happen to you or a loved one. Like Job, you shake your fist at the Lord, unwilling to abandon yourself to his wise and loving plan.
If you realize youre holding on to something like this, Jesus is giving you a chance to empty your hands today.
When you sit down to pray and you remember that youve been arguing with your spouse or a coworker, make the choice to let it go. Ask forgiveness. Then start praying. If youve stormed off after an angry outburst, take a deep breath and try to make things right with the person youve hurt. Remember, when your fists are clenched around anger or self-righteousness, its harder to raise your hands to the Lord in prayer. Its harder for him to fill you because your hands are already full.
So whats in your hands? What are you holding on to that might be keeping you from receiving all the gifts God wants to give you? If you can identify something, take the next step and try to let it go. Lift up your hands to God, as empty as you can make them, and watch as he fills them with every good and perfect gift.
Father, I believe you want to give me good things. So help me to let go of whatever Im holding on to that keeps me from you.
Psalm 28:2, 7-9
Luke 7:1-10
Daily Marriage Tip for September 16, 2019:
Generosity does not mean never saying no. Boundaries are important in every relationship. If you feel stretched too thin, check your priorities and pray for guidance in when to say yes and when to say no.