Come As You Are

“When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be thy name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive our sins
for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,
and do not subject us to the final test.” Luke 11: 2-4

Think of the guidance that the disciples received when Jesus showed them this way to pray. Praise God, call on Gods presence, present your needs; sustenance, forgiveness and humility and remember to ask that God not make it too hard. Really, what more do we need? See how it has worked? It is a prayer that unites all of us who follow Christ.

Some days I just go to God with whatever is on my mind, no ceremony, no pretense, I simply speak my peace. Then I remember I am addressing God and I have to start again. I ask myself, is it wrong to address God in such a familiar way? Have I offended him in my casual tone? I have to think not. Maybe God enjoys the visit.

My book group has talked a lot about “images of God” and how we perceive things based on our image. MY image is one of love. My five year old is creating a song for God where she repeats over and over how happy she is and how she loves God and I believe it is genuinely appreciated by God. She isn’t using flowery language she is simply speaking from her heart. As do I when I speak my peace, I speak it in love and reverence. I guess I believe in a, “come as you are” God.

So don’t be bogged down in the idea of how you “should” come to God, just come. Come as Jesus taught or as you feel you need to. Come as you are.

Yesterday was GS cookie day, (consequently I missed posting, sorry). As I sorted the enormous amount of cookies I couldn’t help but be struck by people’s generosity. I did take several moments to thank God for all the goodness that surrounds my family. So I thank anyone reading this blog that has helped!