Take me as I am...

I find refuge and sanctuary while praying to God. I admit, my feelings sometimes are not always joyful. I sometimes feel sad and sometimes feel rebellious. But I bring all of these negative emotions to the feet of Jesus in prayer, believing that He will answer me.

This does not guarantee though that I will always get my answer in an instant. Sometimes, I have to keep on praying with these negative emotions for months!

But then, they are like seasons, after awhile, the winds blow and the clouds disappear – and I feel happy again.

But the important thing is that no matter what the season may be in my life – I keep on praying.

No matter what the condition of my heart is…

I pray with my sadness, I pray with my anger, I pray with my tears. And I pray with my loneliness.

And yes, I pray with my joy as well.

And you know what? God understands. He takes me as I am!



How can I always pray with joy when I am laden with problems at home and pressure at work? Lord, rescue me! Give me your joy.

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I did this because I love you...

How does it feel to be embraced?
Wonderful isn't it? It is like being cradled, and deep within your heart, it feels so good to listen to the breath of love. Oh, how lovely it is that someone loves you!

One day, the embarrassment of my past dawned on me as I prayed. And with this, I realized the sins I've committed because of a mistaken love and false gods.

I envisioned the nail on His right palm pierce deeper because of my sins. I recalled all the sins in my past and felt how much hurt I have brought him.

I looked at Jesus and saw fresh wounds.

I cried in shame. It seemed as if His wounded body was His way of showing me He was there for me - in the course of my sufferings.

On the cross, Jesus looked at me with so much love and on His lips were words of comfort: "I did this because I love you."

Hearing those words, it was as though my soul passed out -but graciously caught by the embrace of His love.

And in that embrace, I rested and was at peace.




Oh Lord, forgive me if I depend on other things that do not come from You. Wash me clean from these influences, Lord!

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