Grace That Sets Us Free
DAY THREE
Be Honest
Sometimes the hardest part of a knot is admitting how much it hurts. We might tell others that we are fine, or even tell ourselves that we should be fine because we trust God. But faith does not ask us to pretend. The Psalms are full of people who speak honestly to God about fear, anger, grief and uncertainty. Even Jesus prayed from the depths of his own anguish. God can handle our questions. He can handle our disappointment. He can handle the feelings we would rather hide. Prayer begins with bringing our real selves before im, trusting that we will be met with love rather than judgement. Today, be honest.
HOW LONG, O LORD? WILL YOU UTTERLY FORGET ME?
HOW LONG WILL YOU HIDE YOUR FACE FROM ME?
PSALM 13:2
The psalmist does not hold back. There is no attempt to make the prayer sound more faithful than it feels. Sometimes the most honest prayer is simply to tell God where we are.
YOUR INVITATION
Today, name what your knot is making you feel. You might be afraid, angry, sad, disappointed, guilty, tired or confused.
You might even feel nothing at all.
Whatever is there, bring it honestly to God. You do not need to judge it or make it sound better than it is.
Find a quiet moment and finish this sentence: Jesus, if I’m honest, I feel…
Then sit with whatever comes next.
PRAYING WITH MARY
Mary, help me to bring my whole heart to Jesus. When I am afraid, angry, disappointed or confused, teach me not to hide these things from him. Help me to trust that Jesus meets me exactly where I am and can give me the courage to pray honestly.
Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.
—
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH
I will appear before you with empty hands.
St Thérèse of Lisieux