The Bonnie Raitt song “I Can’t Make You Love Me” came on the radio the other day. It is rare that a secular station plays a song that is appropro to my life any more, but this one was. But, as it resonated all through me even during prayer, I was no longer the “me“, and the people in my life were no longer the “you“.
As I thought of each one of the people for whom I was praying, this song started up in my head again. I realized how each situation could fit into this theme either “as is” or by changing “love” to believe, listen to, hear, see, obey, etc. The “I”, of course, was God in every situaton. My heart grew heavy. I had just reread Mark 6 and this song went hand and hand with the reading especially the lines: “‘Cause I can’t make you love me if you don’t. You can’t make your heart feel something it won’t” and the line from Mark: “So He could not perform miracles there“.
I have struggled with not seeing the fruits of my prayers. As I allowed myself to grow meloncholy and feel that my prayers were of no use, the Lord changed the words in my head to: I can’t make you trust me if you don’t. I can’t make your heart feel something it won’t.
What a wake up call to my lack of humility. He does not have to show me anything! And maybe, He is not showing me the results to teach me to trust! Maybe, my prayers would be more effective if I quit worrying about whether they are or not, and just trust Him to use what He wants, when He wants, and how He wants! My heart won’t feel the power as long as I continue to pray for results instead of praying for His Glory. Jesus told us to pray, so I need to do so, period!
Now that He got that through my thick skull, I was ready to begin my prayers again, but I still had a few questions (proof of His patience). If He can’t or won’t force His Will on us, if we can’t or won’t see, hear, believe the Truth about God and others, how should I pray?
He responded: Simple, pray that I will remove the obstacles. Once the obstacles are removed, then they may choose to see the light. The choice is still theirs, but I can make it an easier choice if I choose to do so. Just as through the prayers of others for you, I have granted a softening of your heart, an opening of your mind, and a better appreciation of the gifts I have given you. I told you through my servant that one of the greatest gifts I have given you is prayer. Do not let the remaining obstacles I have left for you to overcome, keep you from returning this gift to Me.
So, I have made my choice. I will return His Gift- See you in Adoration 🙂
blessedadorer 
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