To El Roi, ‘the God who sees me’,
I come to you hesitantly, because I am unworthy and imperfect. It is only through Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith, that I even dare approach you.
Your Word says, “Learn from the ant, you sluggard” (Proverbs 6:6). Your Word also says, “A bruised reed, you will not break” (Isaiah 42:3). You see it all – the big picture and the intricate details. You know all about my problem with procrastination. And so I lay it before you, in your presence, with shame but without trying to cover it up with busy-busy-bustling-about. I may distract myself with pointless busyness, but you see it all.
Our hearts are confusing. I don’t even understand my own mind. You see it all though. What I see is this: cluttered cupboards, boxes of books I bought intending to read ‘one day’, projects ‘put on the back burner’ indefinitely, and frantic frenzy as deadlines approach.
I suspect that these symptoms of my malaise bother you less than they do me. For you see deeper than clutter and chaos. You see fear of failure and perils of perfectionism. You see our culture’s lust for leisure, greed for instant gratification and our corresponding short attention spans. You see us living in our brokenness, failing to live up to our identity as your holy people.
I confess that I have not taken every thought captive to you, most holy Lord. Please forgive me and change me. Transform me, mostly for your glory’s sake but also for my sanity’s sake.
As I face the rest of the day, please keep my heart soft towards you, El Roi, the God who sees me. Keep me focused on you, Lord Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith. Holy Spirit, please free me from my fears and enable me to focus on the responsibilities you have entrusted to me.
Thank you for your patience, your presence and your precious promises.
Yours sincerely,
An imperfect procrastinator who is being transformed through the renewing of her mind, slowly but surely – your daughter
3 replies on “A Procrastinator’s Prayer”
Suzanne, this is so real. thank you.
Peter has a book “Prayers of the People” collated by a pastor from his church attenders. They are people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences and all very real and honest with God.
Would you mind if I copy this and pass it on to Peter…and others?
I sometimes find it helpful to pray others’ prayers as it reveals things to me about myself that would be good to talk to God about.
I would be delighted if you were to pass it on. I really want my writing efforts to be useful for God’s people.
Amen!