Think Small

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I don’t have an extensive background in church.  I don’t have a lot of experience even being a follower of Christ if we are being honest!  I don’t know much scripture. I don’t even know all the children’s bible stories.. I have, however,found that people don't really know how to pray.  Some worry about it too much.. Some think they need to use all these huge words, as my Mom would say a “$4 word”!  
I pray small!  Meaning I talk to Jesus like he is sitting next to me.  I talk to Jesus like we are “homies”! I yell at Jesus from time to time!  Not one of my finer moments, but hey I’m human and miserably flawed! I also, more frequently, refer to him as Lord.  Basically what I am saying is whatever is natural - DO THAT! Don’t overthink!
Things that I have prayed for, in case you need suggestions.  
I have to pray for kindness on a regular basis!  That's awful right!?!?!? But it is so easy for me to hold a grudge about stupid stuff..or just clearly not be kind.  I have been known to judge, criticize and belittle, and praying for kindness helps me not be a jerk!!!
I also pray to not be offended by my husband!  Man this little gem has got me out of some funks, I tell ya!!! I realized not that long ago that I was annoyed with my husband and I couldn't exactly figure out why…. I had one of those “come to Jesus moments” where I am just disgusted with the situation and asking for help out of desperation/exasperation!  I finally realized I was just offended by everything and anything he said.. For example, this kind of question would make me exasperated: “Are you handling pick up today?”  My head and probably face response was “WTH? Do you think I can’t remember where I am supposed to be?” Which is ridiculous, because later, after taking a step back and looking in hindsight, Rusty was asking the same question, in the same tone he always does. I, however, choseto hear a nasty tone in his voice.  And now as I write that I think “huh, that was probably the enemy whispering to me!” So pray to not be offended by your spouse, your coworker, your boss...whoever is pissing you off! It's simple and amazing.
I pray for the right words!  I pray this in my head all the time when I am sitting across from someone talking to me.  I say in my head, Jesus give me the right words. Sometimes he does, and sometimes it's still clumsy, overly opinionated Melissa who gets diarrhea of the mouth, but I'm getting better. Sometimes I am able to say the exact words that the person needs, to where I can tell the bell went off!  
If you are overthinking prayer, STOP IT!  Just talk to an empty room and talk about any and everything that is bothering you.  You may think the room is empty, but it’s not. I want to encourage you to think differently about prayer.  It's not hard. It's just like hanging out with an old friend.


Tell Jesus I said “what's up, buddy!” next time you guys are hanging out.  
Be Different Folks!

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