A Ragamuffin's Prayer

Excerpt from The Reckless Love of God

Jesus, you have no idea how bad I’ve been. 

Yes I do. In fact, I expected worse out of you than you expected out of yourself.

 

Jesus, what if I don’t ever get any better?

I’ll always love you. 

 

Jesus, what if I do it again?

We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. I’ve got a plan. 

 

Jesus, what if I just give up on you?

I’ll never quit on you. 

 

Jesus, how do you expect me to forgive ______ when they’ve been so hurtful to me?

Just give them what you get from me. Grace. Just charge it to my account.

 

Jesus, but what about how insensitive they’ve been to me? 

Charge that to my account too. 

 

Jesus, I’m tired.

I’ll be your rest.

 

Jesus, are you mad at me?

You’re the apple of my eye. My beloved.

 

Jesus, what do you want me to do for you?

Don’t be so quick to work for me. Everybody wants to work for me. I want you to know me and live in my love and acceptance of you.

 

Jesus, what if I fall asleep when I pray?

I’m happy you feel comfortable in my presence. Rest well. I’ll see you when you wake up.

 

Jesus, what if I don’t understand all of the Bible?

I am the Word of the word.

 

Jesus, I don’t know where I belong.

You belong with me. 

 

Jesus, what if I’m lazy?

You’re not lazy. You’re just distracted. We can change that.

 

Jesus, I’m mad. 

I’ll take your anger. 

 

Jesus, I’m disappointed. 

Keep looking at me. 

 

Jesus, I’m sad. 

I know. I see you right there. Want to talk to me about it? 

 

Jesus, I’m drunk.

You’re my friend. 

 

Jesus, I stole.

I’ll take care of it.

 

Jesus, I’m lustful. 

Give me your heart.

 

Jesus, I hate myself.

My love for you will drown your hate of you. 

 

Jesus, they told me I could lose my salvation. Is that true?

If you could lose it, don’t you think you would’ve lost it by now? I don't drop anything. Especially my people. You're safe.