Prayer...With Fries...

My wife and I embarked on a lifestyle change back in August 2009. It was one that we desperately needed, one that has changed our lives in more ways than we could possibly imagine, but there were consequences. There were things, good friends that had accompanied us into troubled times and had eased our pain and sorrow, that were logically excluded from our lives.And yes, I'm talking about fast food burgers and fries. 

My love affair with giant hamburgers and fries extends beyond my memory, but I do know that when we axed those items from our regular eating habits I noticed it. I mourned deeply. They were foods that brought me comfort - they brought that overly full feeling leading me into drowsiness and my dent in the couch.

Disclaimer: I believe that last sentence is the exact reason we, as people seeking transformation into Christlikeness, need to pay attention to our food. The lack of energy, intentionality, and engagement are dangerous and can become substitutes and dependency routes for us. Now back to the post...

Recently I began praying using the following images in my head to guide me:

I sit at a large table, set for many guests but at the moment it is simply me and Jesus. In front of me is the most colossal burger and fries I had ever seen. Jesus asks me for nothing, but His eyes indicate "Eat." So I do. Once I'm finished (because you clean your plate if Jesus is asking you to) I sit back, with that contented drowsy feeling. I don't need to be anywhere else. I am satisfied. And then, I remain in His presence. Listening, talking, or simply abiding - whatever the day may require.

I believe this is what David had in mind when he said, "My soul will be satisfied as with rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips..." (Ps. 63:5)

What brings you that feeling of fast-food contentment? How can you make that contentment the central image in your prayer today?