Carte Blanche

Greetings,

A little over three years ago I downloaded a language app on my phone and have been learning French ever since.  I would say that at this point I am slightly conversational.  One thing I have really enjoyed is how French words have found their way into our English vocabulary.  For example: matinee/morning, bon voyage/have a good trip, and déjà vu/feeling of experiencing or seeing something again...

There is even an implied French phrase in the Bible: Carte blanche, which means "complete freedom" or "blank check" (dictionary.com).

Ephesians 6:18 "Pray in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is..." (GOD's WORD Translation).

If we were to rewrite that verse to accommodate my love of French it would say, "Pray always and about everything and anything. You have carte blanch with me, your Lord. You are completely free to pray about whatever you want to.  There is no request too big or too insignificant. You have a blank check at your disposal. Fill it out with whatever is on your heart. I welcome you every time you whisper My name."

When we think about what's happening in the world right now it almost seems silly to grab the hand of a little child and pray to find their lost toy.  It seems rather insulting that we would waste God's time by asking for a better parking spot.  Certainly God cannot be bothered with my need to have the energy to finish painting the family room.

Except, that He wants to be asked about it all! The verse above makes it clear that He is 100% concerned about every aspect of our lives.

I am glad that I don't have to worry whether my prayer request is valid or not or important enough. And  I find it monumentally comforting that when I pray for a fifth grader to make friends and for God to guide a wayward teenager - all in the same day - God hears, receives, cares, and answers both requests!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for the glorious freedom You offer us in prayer.  It is wonderful to know that You want to hear about every little itty bitty detail about us.  We need You so much and are so blessed that You are so merciful, kind, and generous.  We are grateful for Your willingness to extend Your comfort and provision to every single area of our lives.  In Jesus' name, AMEN.