Guilt for Praying for Oneself

[mellowcalico]

Does anyone else have this problem?

I have a lot of really big problems and crises going on in my life (big for me… my husband left me and now I find out I am going to be laid off in two months). I worry about caring for my child, I worry about the mortgage and selling the “white elephant” of a house I am in, I worry about finding work and all the while my husband is pressing me for money (even though he makes twice as much as I do). I have lawyer bills to pay and other expenses.

I get overwhelmed and pray to God to help me, help get me though this, help me find a job (which would help with a lot of my problems short term), etc, etc… but then I start feeling guilty. Mid prayer I find myself apologizing for being selfish and asking for help when others out there have worse conditions than I do. I start thinking about people who are worse off and I say generic prayers for them… or if I can think of someone in particular I pray for them. But at the same time, I really do feel I am on a precipice and need God’s mercy/help. The whole thing makes most of my prayers “scatter brained.” Sometimes I end up crying and stop praying because I’ve emotionally overwhelmed myself.

Then I feel like my praying was a sham. I only started praying for others (at the end) out of a scene of guilt for being selfish. And why did I cry? Maybe I shouldn’t pray with intentions… but it’s hard for me not to when these worries are at the tip of my mind.

Anyway, does anyone else run into this problem? How do you deal with it? What do you do?

 

[SecretBeliever]

Hi,

Oh, I’m sorry to hear of your situation…I’ll pray for you! But, to answer your question: I know what you mean. Yes, I have a lot of stuff going on in my life too. Not the same as yours, but I still am bothered by it all, and lose sleep over stuff to the point where the doc has prescribed me sleeping medication. Which I don’t like to take because I wanna conquer this without drugs. Different story, but anyway, I do pray for myself but I also pray for those who I consider are causing my situation. I pray for the whole situation, both my side and others’ side so that the whole thing could get resolved. And I ask God for forgiveness for being scatterbrained when I pray, because I often get “off the subject” as well! I also try to remember to thank Him and praise Him for all the blessings He has given to me. It just seems like I have to pray more, both for those I know who need prayer, and myself. I pray for myself but just beg for His mercy because of my praying for myself – does that make sense? I’m in no way recommending anything (like I’m in a position to!) just saying what I do. And oh yeah, I’ve thought of the same question that you’ve just asked, guess that’s why I do what I do. I’m not very bright. I’m sure there are more than a few people here that can actually answer your question! I’d be interested to see what they say also. :hug1:

 

[St_Francis]

Christ used the word ABBA in the Our Father, a tender term like Papa or Daddy.

I am a mother, and sometimes my children need help. Sometimes they hold it in until they are crying with frustration when with just a little help they’d be fine, but they don’t ask.

So I tell them they must ask for my help! That’s what I am there for! And I do not think it is selfish of them to let me know what they need.

In the same way, God wants us to ask for His help. He loves us and part of getting His help is acknowledging that we need it. So always talk over your concerns with Him

And thanks for posting this because when I read your post, I saw this much more clearly than I have in the past.

 

[SecretBeliever]

StFrancis,

Oh, thank you for your kind reply. I hope this helps Mellowcalico; it has helped and comforted me. So often I lapse into thinking about God as stern judge only, forgetting that He is truly Abba. Thanks! I will try to remember this!

 

[puzzleannie]

Does anyone else have this problem?

I
I get overwhelmed and pray to God to help me, help get me though this, help me find a job (which would help with a lot of my problems short term), etc, etc… but then I start feeling guilty. Mid prayer I find myself apologizing for being selfish and asking for help when others out there have worse conditions than I do. ?

why should we feel guilty about praying for our own needs when Christ himself commanded–not suggested, not recommended, but commanded–us to pray to Our Father for all good things?

 

[Totterman]

Jesus,our Lords peace be with You.
Sorry for my bad english. Don’t feel guilt,everyone has a right to pray for himself as well as a obligation to pray for others in need. So You have done nothing wrong. Keep on praying,without feeling guilt,and I will pray for You aswell. Dear friend,try to think like this: it can always be worster,and every night ends with a morning. Don’t fear,God is with You.

 

[SecretBeliever]

I know I didn’t start this thread, but it’s helping me too, so I just wanted to say Thank you all for your advice. P.S. Totterman, your English is a LOT better than my Finnish.

 

[mellowcalico]

Christ used the word ABBA in the Our Father, a tender term like Papa or Daddy.

I am a mother, and sometimes my children need help. Sometimes they hold it in until they are crying with frustration when with just a little help they’d be fine, but they don’t ask.

So I tell them they must ask for my help! That’s what I am there for! And I do not think it is selfish of them to let me know what they need.

In the same way, God wants us to ask for His help. He loves us and part of getting His help is acknowledging that we need it. So always talk over your concerns with Him

And thanks for posting this because when I read your post, I saw this much more clearly than I have in the past.

Thank you (and thank you to everyone who’s answered). This actually brought tears to my eyes. It’s too bad I can’t ask God for a hug too.

And Totterman… your English is better than my Finnish too