The Upside of Submission

Prayer is a huge part of the apprenticeship journey. But have you ever stopped to take inventory on how you pray or what you are praying for? All too often my prayers are the "as I'm going" type of prayer, or the "help I'm in a crisis" prayer, or the "I guess it's my only option left" prayer.

One of the prayers I pray is about "sin in my life." I'll pray and ask God to help me overcome my judgmental spirit or my negativity–(insert your signature sin here). I find myself getting discouraged when I fall back into the same sins over and over. So, I pray again. I ask others to pray for me. I pray at church, in my car and before I go to bed.

I get worn out when those sins seem to stick to me like glue. Then I read James and I'm given some really practical advice: to make the decision to just "stop it." I know that's easier said than done, but it's where James goes in his letter.

Remember he's the one who said that if your faith doesn't result in action is it really faith at all? I'm still thinking about that. But he's right.

I'm going to keep praying over my sin, but now I'm adding a discipline or practice to do something about it. James gives us a lot to think about on this issue and this Sunday looks to be favorable for us to finally meet together... in person. I miss you all.