Obstruction Prayer

Prayer is so devastatingly vulnerable. If it’s not vulnerable, it may not actually be prayer.

Every year or two, another book is published offering us a fresh strategy for prayer. Often it’s described as a new way to extend our spiritual influence, flex our spiritual muscle, convince God to do what we want him to do… or what we think he should do. It’s a little disturbing to realize how quickly our ego can grasp hold of something that sounds really spiritual, only to find that it’s just another prop, once again, for our own agenda. The problem is probably less with the books on prayer and more with our human capacity for hijacking spiritual stuff to feel powerful and in control.

I find it oddly refreshing to know that “The Obstruction Prayer” will never sell. Its essence is fundamentally foreign to the ego; it runs counter to every human instinct. Where’s the appeal in that?

Truth is, we don’t really have to ask God to send us obstructions. Life will oblige us on that point readily enough. More days than not, impediments and obstacles are woven into the fabric of our schedules and to-do lists. The Obstruction Prayer is a request for God to change the way we relate to obstacles. Honestly, it’s about changing the way we relate to life itself! God is ever and always more interested in the transformation of our internal character than the multiplication of our external successes, no matter how noble they may appear.

So there you have it. If you’re tired of feeling frustrated, tired of getting mad, tired of fighting circumstances, join me in this prayer…

The Prayer

Obstruct me, O Lord,

When I grasp after my own agenda, set an obstacle to block me.

When I insist upon my own timetable, set a barrier to slow me down.

Obstruct me, O Lord,

Break my attachments to my stubborn will.

Shatter my illusions of my own importance.

Obstruct me, O Lord,

Until I can receive the gift of what is.

Until I can delight in the choices of your heart.

Obstruct me, O Lord,

Train my heart in the freedom of acceptance.

Release my heart into the joy of surrender.

Let my soul be held in a pervasive trust

That you work all things together for good

Especially when I am met with impediments.

In your mercy, Precious Lord, obstruct me.