a cynic's prayer

how does a cynic pray? as a recovering cynic, let me show you:

if you've read my blog, or we've communicated in some way recently, you most likely know our most urgent prayer request (at this time) is that our visas would be processed and returned to us before we're supposed to leave on July 30th. it's not like this request isn't feasible. it totally is.

the thing is, a couple days ago we received an email letting us know that an American couple trying to get their Czech visas right now have run into trouble and may not get theirs in the allotted time.

here are the steps of my thoughts in my immediate response to this news:
1. pray that God would grant us our visas in time
2. anxiety hits...i try to think of a plan B in case our visas aren't returned
3. realize that if i'm coming up with a plan B then I'm not really trusting God to take care of this
4. hesitate to pray any more about the matter because what if God doesn't grant our request?

so there's the cynic. in this book i'm reading, "A Praying Life" (totally recommend it!), he talks about how our cynicism keeps us from praying - because we don't fully believe God will answer a prayer, we guard ourselves from getting angry at him by not even praying for it.

what a messed up theology. especially because God has provided so much for this trip. He's provided almost all of our support, and I think he'll provide us with the perfect amount. this whole thing came together perfectly after years of prayer that i would move to Czech.

but, God has allowed me to see how wrong my thought process has been and is granting me repentance. but please pray for not just our visas, but for my cynical heart. pray that i would honestly trust him and come to him with the attitude of "Lord, help me."



i'm adding an edit...God wants the consistent, persistent of his people. the more prayers the better. so please pray with us for these visas when you think about it. God will certainly answer our plea.