Erinnicole's Prayer: Kutless' "Passion"

it's comforting to me

my first thought when i read that, and then heard it, was what? how could someone suffering that much for me be comforting?! nothing about that is comforting. it is shameful that He would go through all of that agony; i've done absolutely nothing to deserve it. but, after the last few times i have listened...while the image still shames me...there is oddly some level of comfort in the love that is truly depicted there. all of my troubles can seem to drift sort of away because i know that i am never suffering alone. not after that. not after someone would willingly lay their life down for me. in life, i surround myself with friends who are protectors, people that will be there for me and to stand up with and for me when i need it. and i am realizing that i do that for the sense of comfort it gives me. and Jesus as a protector is the biggest comfort and peace i could ask for.

it's comforting to me

Marie's Prayer: Kutless' "Passion"

I know I've had trouble with identifying God in my life lately, but I realize now that how can I doubt? How can I question all of my good memories? I know that God has to be there and that He's working and helping me along this road of life. Even with failed relationships I know that He's the only one I really need, no matter what.

And in my heart I know that you're the only one
Who could of came and died, a sacrifice

Chris' prayer: Kutless' "Passion"

Nail pierced hands they run with blood
A splitting brow forced by the thorns
His face is writhing with the pain

I remember when I first saw The Passion of the Christ, the impression that stayed with me was just how much Jesus suffered. I'd read and heard the story in the Bible a hundred times, but the movie put me in that place, allowing me to witness, sort of first hand, the pain that Jesus endured. Suddenly, it was something I'd never seen or heard before. I winced each time the whip dug into His skin, tearing it to pieces. I cowered when they drove the crown of thorns into His head. I gasped when they nailed Him to the cross. I was awestruck. It is and was anything but comforting to me.


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Megan's prayer: Kutless' "Passion"

Jesus…
… created a paradox in me

Within the past few months, I have realized that my faith, more specifically my view of my personal faith life, is somewhat of a paradox, somewhat contradictory.

I am happy that I am unhappy with my faith life.

On the most recent retreat I attended, I shared this sentiment with the teens in my small group. Instantly after I shared it, I felt I should take it back. I thought I was supposed to be playing the part of the leader; the one who has their faith figured out and was there to help the teens with their struggles, but I realized that sharing something so personal with the teens only helped to bring me closer to them.

I can’t imagine a time in which I was happy with my faith. I constantly look at my prayer life and realize I could be doing more. I want to be in a much deeper pursuit of Jesus. I feel that if I ever come to a point where I am happy with my faith, that it would then just be put to the side, checked off the list of things to accomplish. No sense in trying to fix something that isn’t broken. But I don’t want that to happen to my faith, I don’t ever want to push it aside. I want it constantly to be a top priority in my life, forever at the top of my “to-do” list. This dissatisfaction in my faith life will only lead me closer to where I want to be.