Real prayers

01Read

When life gets hard, we instinctively protect ourselves. We create versions of ourselves that hide our struggle—masks that say we’re fine when we’re not. When we put masks on, we’re not just lying to others; we’re lying to ourselves about how much we’re actually relying on our own strength instead of God’s.

Masking keeps us stuck and stops us from becoming great. Real prayer is when we take off the mask and thrive as our authentic selves, weaknesses and all.

O Eternal One, You have explored my heart and know exactly who I am; [2] You even know the small details like when I take a seat and when I stand up again. Even when I am far away, You know what I’m thinking. [3] You observe my wanderings and my sleeping, my waking and my dreaming, and You know everything I do in more detail than even I know. [4] You know what I’m going to say long before I say it. It is true, Eternal One, that You know everything and everyone. [5] You have surrounded me on every side, behind me and before me, and You have placed Your hand gently on my shoulder. [6] It is the most amazing feeling to know how deeply You know me, inside and out; the realization of it is so great that I cannot comprehend it.

Psalm 139:1-6 VOICE

Notice from these verses how thoroughly God already knows us—including anything we are masking. Verse six tells us that one of the most amazing feelings in life is being known and loved in such a deep way. Being fully known, valued, and loved by God satisfies our hunger for greatness in a way nothing else can.

02Reflect

What mask are you wearing and how does it affect your faith?

What mask are you wearing?
Here are some common masks people wear when life is hard. Check which one you wear most when life gets hard for you:

• The Capable One (I’m more than talented enough.)
• The Spiritual One (I’m trusting God—no problems here.)
• The Strong One (I don’t need help—I’m not weak.)
• The Busy One (I’m too busy to deal with my struggles.)
• The Fine One (Everything’s fine, really.)
• The Independent One (I prefer to go alone—people are too stressful.)
• The Fragile One (I can’t handle thinking about this.)

What are you actually hiding underneath that mask? (Fear? Exhaustion? Doubt? Anger at God? Feeling overwhelmed?)

When did you first start wearing this mask? What would happen if you took it off and admitted to God (and others) how hard things really are?

How does wearing a mask affect your faith?
Check off all that apply to you (be honest!):

• I pray more authentically when I’m alone than when I’m with others.
• I’ve edited my prayers to sound more “spiritual” or mature than what I really feel.
• There are struggles I haven’t told God about because I’m ashamed or afraid.
• I believe God loves the “strong, faithful version” of me more than the struggling version.
• My faith feels more like performance than relationship.
• I’m exhausted from trying to maintain my mask even in my relationship with God.

How many did you check?

How has hiding from people trained you to hide from God? What would change if you brought your unmasked, struggling self to God in prayer?

03Act

Take off your mask with God.

04Keep going

Course · 5 days

Permission to Feel

 

Series overview

Day 0 · Open How Our Emotional Life Becomes Spiritual Day 1 · Open God-awakening Day 2 · You’re here Real prayers Day 3 · Opens Mon Emotional resilience Day 4 · Opens Tue Awareness of need Day 5 · Opens Wed True greatness