I was listening to a podcast, and the speaker referenced the gap between that which we are hoping to attract in to our lives and the reality of what is. I smiled as in my head all I could hear was the underground platform announcement “Mind The Gap!”
Often we think, and pray about that which we want in our life, that which we wish to become.
Often we think, and pray about our current situation, the good the bad and the bland.
But how often do we consider the gap between these two versions of ourselves?
How does this gap make us feel? How does it effect how we view the world? How does it impact our relationships with others? How does it impact our relationship with God?
Let us go to God in prayer…
Heavenly Father, it is through your Word in scripture that we are reminded that whatever we ask for in prayer can indeed be received. Jesus you teach us to ask, to seek to knock. We are therefore people of hope, people who believe that all things are possible. We thank you for making us humans who can dare to dream of more than what is before us, of situations different to the ones we find ourselves in now.
God, some of us dream of money, fame and glamour. Some of us dream of finding love, friendship and a partner. Some of us hold faith in a future with a new job, a new house, new meaning for ourselves. Many in our society hope for a future where they are no longer in pain, sadness or discomfort. A future self that has access to food, shelter and safety is hope enough for many people, but a reality that often seems out of reach.
Often the gap between where we are and where we wish we were leads us astray. We head off in pursuit of that which we want, falling in to the false belief that nothing else matters. We neglect the other parts of our lives. We come before you now and apologise for those times where we have upset the balance of now and the future, failed to attend rightly to all aspects of our life. Heavenly Father set us on the right path to value all aspects of life, not just our sometimes selfish wishes.
Often the gap between where we are and where we want to get to causes us to harm others on the way. Forgive us for those times when we value our dreams higher that the dreams of others. Forgive us for the times we discard your precious children because they stand in the way of what we want. Forgive us for the times we use people as a commodity, as just a means to an ends, a stepping stone to bridge the gap.
Often the gap between a safe and bright future and the stark reality of our brutal lives is too much to be bear and we lose hope and give up on You, give up on ourselves. Be with that person right now who is close to giving up, close to accepting their current situation as all that can be for them. We pray that you give them strength, pour upon them your blessings, keep them faithful and moving in the right direction, closing that gap in healthy ways.
Often we are too focused on our future, the prospect of what might be, the end result. We forget to notice that between where we are and where we want to get to is the possibility of wonderful journey full of exciting learning experiences. Slow us down. Heavenly Mother bring us comfort as we experience the gap between where we find ourselves now and where we want to be. Bring us comfort so that we may relish the journey rather than rush it.
God empower and encourage us to listen to the dreams and hopes of others and find ways to build them up and support them on this journey. Remind us of the tools and resources we have to help others match their current reality with a future self that is whole and happy. It is by listening, supporting and encouraging others that we will find insight in to those dreams of ours which truly matter and truly have meaning to us.
Holy Spirit give us the strength and joy to dream, the courage to follow those dreams and the patience and faith that God is already working in our midst to bring about those dreams in ways that only God knows how. Each step of the way is simply part of the wondrous journey You desire to join us on.
Amen
The Unexpected Prayer 