Can I Be Honest?

That question often comes before something important. We ask it when we are unsure whether there is room for what we really need to say. We may be afraid of disappointing someone, sounding ungrateful, or admitting that life is harder than we have let on.

Sometimes we carry that hesitation into prayer. We know the words we think we should say, but beneath them is another sentence: God, I am frightened. I am angry. I miss someone. I am thankful, and I am still hurting. Can I tell you that?

In Mark 9, a father brings his suffering son to Jesus. He has watched his child struggle for years, and the disciples have been unable to help. When Jesus speaks about believing, the father cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

His prayer holds faith and struggle together. He does not hide the part of himself that needs help. And Jesus does not turn him away for admitting it.

Our Lectio 365 readings this week have invited us to pray humanly and honestly, recognizing every experience as an entry point into prayer. Nehemiah begins with tears when he hears about Jerusalem’s suffering. Jehoshaphat admits that he does not know what to do. In Nehemiah 9, the people remember God’s faithfulness while naming their hardship and confessing their failures. Psalm 92 gives voice to gratitude and praise. There is room for the whole story.

We can remember God’s goodness without denying what hurts. We can confess a wrong without pretending that we are beyond mercy. We can bring our uncertainty into a relationship with Jesus rather than waiting for certainty before we come.

Yesterday’s Touch a Truck event also gave us an opportunity to honor people who come alongside others in vulnerable moments. We are grateful for our first responders and for Guardians of the Children, whose support includes accompanying children to court. Their presence reminds us how much it matters to have someone beside us when we face something frightening.

As followers of Jesus, we can become more attentive companions. We can listen without rushing to correct a feeling. We can take someone’s pain seriously. We can offer practical help and encourage the support they need. We can respect someone’s choice about what they are ready to share.

Here at Eden, sharing our story includes the parts that are still unfolding. A testimony does not always arrive with a resolved ending. Sometimes the most faithful thing we can say is, “This is where I need prayer. This is where I need someone to walk with me.”

This week, begin with one unedited sentence: “Jesus, the truth is…” You may find gratitude there. You may find grief. You may find a question you have held for a long time. Let that sentence become your prayer.

You do not have to become less human to draw near to God. Bring the life you actually have, and let his love meet you there.

Love Jesus. Live Like Jesus.

Pastor Tammy

Reflect

1. What feeling or question have I been hesitant to bring into prayer?

2. Where do gratitude and pain coexist in my life right now?

3. What would it mean for me to pray, “I believe; help my unbelief”?

Spiritual practice

Set aside five quiet minutes. Breathe slowly and remember that you are turning toward Jesus, who knows you and invites you near.

Begin, “Jesus, the truth is…” Write or speak one honest sentence. Name what is present without correcting it into what you think you should feel.

Tell the whole story by naming one thing that hurts and one thing for which you are grateful. If gratitude feels difficult today, you may simply ask for help noticing God’s care.

Sit quietly for a moment, then pray, “I believe; help my unbelief.” Consider one next step: receiving support from a trustworthy person or offering someone a listening presence. Keep private what you need to keep private; honesty with God does not require public disclosure.

Gather

1. What helps people feel free to be honest in a church community? What makes that difficult?

2. What do you notice about the father’s vulnerability and Jesus’ response in Mark 9:14–29?

3. How could our group offer compassionate presence and practical support this week without pressuring anyone to disclose private experiences?

For further information about the Guardians of the Children:

Guardians of the Children’s national website describes its support for children and families, including court accompaniment: https://gocnation.org/.