I STARTED TO PRAY, THEN I STARTED TO CUSS, HERE’S WHY
‘I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, ‘ Philippians 1:3–5
‘My prayers for you are full of praise to God as I give him thanks for you with great joy! I’m so grateful for our union My prayers for you are full of praise to God as I give him thanks for you with great joy! I’m so grateful for our union and our enduring partnership that began the first time I presented to you the gospel. ‘ Philippians 1:3–5
I’m taking a page out of my boss and pastor, Brian Houston. While I normally rattle off a few things from a Youversion verse, today is dedicated to my guy. He’s in self quarantine in Australia and pushin’ hope like an 80’s crack dealer … and I love it. I’m with you Pastor B, praying with you and for you. As always, thanks for giving me a shot.
If you read the two versions above, you get this vibe from Paul that he’s a thankful dude. You ever have those days? You’re sitting somewhere, having a coffee and you’re just like, “yah, so and so is such a good person. I really love them.” Then, what you’re supposed to do, is fire off a text or a call to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Paul’s on that vibe right here. He’s like, “Philippians, man, you guys are so amazing. You’re so amazing, that every time I pray, I pray for you.” Hello! Shout out to all the people who would want to get on Paul’s prayer chain. Can someone say, “I’ll take me summa that!”
As I read this, I start to think all of the people I’m thankful for. Shoutout to my bride, who is amazing. Please keep her in prayer as she is battling some sort of allergy/flu combo. She’s doing the best she can amidst a chaos of coughs and kids.
In the midst of this storm, it’s good to remember who’s names come up when you pray. Think about those people, pray for them, maybe even ask “why” you should be praying with them and for them. These are the moments and times when it matters.
Many times in my car, I pray. It’s nothing perfect and to be honest a lot of times I cuss and pray. I don’t know why, but I get really mad at the devil and what he tries to do to people. Even today, I went on a bike ride and as I was riding, I just felt the need to pray for our city (Newport Beach). As I was riding and praying, this is the verse that came to mind.
‘Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. ‘ Joshua 1:3
I’m riding and praying and cussing at the devil all at the same time. And, let me be more honest; it wasn’t PG-13 cussing. Was it perfect, no. Do I recommend other people to do it, no. But, for me, in that moment, it worked. Maybe that helps you to start praying some imperfect prayers.
Hell, if Peter can get into heaven after cursing out people and cutting dudes ears off, maybe you and I have a shot too.
The devil is no joke and you have every right to beat the f out of him. No questions or apologies either. Just literally kick the cuss out of him with what God says, period.
So, in closing — thank the people closest to you. The people who you can remember and those who the Holy Spirit hollars at you about. All of em need to hear it.
Let’s pray:
Jesus, thank you for all you’ve done for me. I know people need my prayers. I want to pray more. I want to be comfortable praying. Thank you for giving me the courage to kick the devils ***. Amen.
