God Wants to Hear Your Honest Prayer – Inspired by Hunter Hayes’ “Dear God” (S1:E13 Show Notes)

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Do you ever wonder if it’s okay to bring God your real, raw thoughts and emotions? In this episode, we’re chatting about the song “Dear God” by Hunter Hayes, how to be honest and vulnerable with God in prayer, and how to process emotions with God. This topic has changed my relationship with God for the better, and I believe it will change yours too! See below for episode outline and Bible passages.

Episode Outline and Bible Passages

PLAYLIST: Listen to “Dear God” and all songs featured in Everyday Walk Scripture & Songs episodes HERE

LYRICS: Read the lyrics from “Dear God” by Hunter Hayes HERE

HERE is Hunter Hayes’ mini-documentary of the making of “Dear God” and HERE is an interview he did with K-LOVE about the song.

Scripture & Songs: “Dear God” by Hunter Hayes

Is it irreverent to be honest with God in prayer?

Key Lyric: ‘Cause after all, you made a man that’s fragile/You made a heart that can break/I know you showed me the road less traveled/Knowin’ I’m gonna run away/You make me love so hard/When everything I love just leaves/Are you sure that there’s nothin’ wrong with me?

In the Bible, in the book of Psalms, you’ll find a type of song/prayer called lament. Laments are the prayers we pray to God and the songs we sing to God when we’re bringing our grief, pain, questions, and struggles to Him honestly, we’re crying out for His help, and trusting in His character and promises even in the midst of tension. “Dear God” feels like a modern lament.

God placed these examples of prayers in the Bible as a model for us and to give us helpful language to know we can come to Him vulnerably and talk to Him about anything. We should always be reverent, respectful, and honoring to God. The Bible calls us to that. But the Bible also tells us to run to God when we’re hurting so He can heal our hearts. It tells us to come to Him when we’re in trouble so He can help us. It tells us to find refuge in Him when we’re overwhelmed.

Psalm 62:8
Psalm 34:18; Psalm 143:3

Examples of psalms of lament in the Bible:

Psalm 6
Psalm 13
Psalm 42-43
Psalm 69
Psalm 109

How to Pray Honestly & Process Emotions With God

Key Lyric: But why does my life have to hurt so much?/And why can’t I find any peace or love?/And why do I feel like I’m not enough?/Dear God, are you sure that you don’t, that you don’t mess up?/You don’t mess up/No, you don’t mess up, yeah/Dear God, just remind me you don’t mess up

Philippians 4:6-8 gives us some great prayer prompts if you need help knowing how to talk to God about what’s going on in your heart and life. I use this approach all the time and it’s a game-changer. God has meet me so powerfully in these conversations.

(1) What’s on your heart? Pour out your heart to God. Whatever emotions, thoughts, or situations are weighing down your heart, pray about them and talk to God about them vulnerably and conversationally, like a friend.

(2) What do you need? Ask God to help you in whatever emotions or situations you’re bringing to Him in prayer. Alongside sharing your heart to God honestly, you can–and should–use Scripture to help you express your heart to God, to help guide your prayers, and to help you pray for things that align with God’s Word and will–especially when your thoughts and emotions are all over the place.

(3) What’s the truth? It’s so healing to pour our hearts out to God and then take time to listen and let Him speak back to us and minister to us. After you’ve poured out my heart and asked for help, ask God, “what are You saying to me about this right now? What is the truth about this emotion or situation I’m talking to You about? What’s your perspective on this situation? What do You want me to know about this situation?” And take a few moments to listen for His voice in that moment or be attentive to ways He may speak to your heart later.

Want to know more about Jesus, how to become a Christian, how Jesus can change your life, or want me to lead you in praying a salvation prayer if you’re ready to become a follower of Jesus? Watch this Everyday Walk episode: What Does It Mean to Know Jesus?

Watch these Everyday Walk Podcast episodes for more on navigating faith, entertainment, and personal convictions as a Christian:

LET’S TALK! How did this discussion impact your view of prayer and honesty with God? Also, share your favorite Hunter Hayes song in the comments! Discuss this episode in the comments below.

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