This prayer came to me after watching a scene from The Chosen (season 4, Episode 7).
Jesus had just learned that Lazarus had died. The disciples had gone to sleep, and Jesus was left in a quiet conversation with Mary. As they spoke, she asked Jesus, “Where do you hurt?” He answered, “Everywhere….inside and out.” She replied, “I do too, but I don’t understand why”. His response was simple: “It’s because you are listening.”
This moment stayed with me. Not just because of the emotion…but because it revealed something deeper. How often was Jesus speaking, teaching, and revealing truth, and was still misunderstood?
It made me reflect on the episode, even the entire Chosen series, the conversations between the rulers and with Jesus. We see their certainty, what they choose to focus on, even to the traditional and oral laws, and yet still reveal their inability to hear Him truly. The same was with the disciples.
And it made me ask myself:
If they walked with Him and still didn’t understand…
How many of us are still missing what He’s saying today?
Listen to the full reflection above.
The Prayer
Lord, forgive us
for the times we do not understand,
for the moments we do not listen,
and for the ways we struggle to believe.
We have grieved You,
misunderstood You,
and still…
You chose us.
You walked among us.
You lived for us.
They said You were blaspheming,
but perhaps… they simply did not understand.
And even when You spoke plainly,
Your words still escaped them.
So I wonder
what was heavier?
To die for us, knowing it was Your destiny?
Or to walk with us
to teach, to pray, to love
and still be met with confusion?
Centuries have passed,
and in many ways, we are still the same.
Still learning.
Still grasping.
Still trying to understand.
We read Your words now
from the other side of the cross,
yet we are not so different
from the disciples who walked beside You.
I see myself in them
in their questions,
in their confusion,
in their slow understanding.
Even now, I struggle.
The Kingdom of God
I know it is not of this world,
yet it stretches beyond what my mind can fully hold.
You came not only to redeem,
but also through our ignorance,
our impatience,
our unwillingness to understand.
And still… it was necessary.
Necessary for us.
Necessary for now.
So I ask
how do You endure us?
Generation after generation,
repeating patterns,
missing meaning,
yet somehow still held in Your plan.
You see us—individually.
You guide us—personally.
Even knowing where we fall short.
And yet, You said:
“Those who have ears, let them hear.”
So there is hope.
Because we are still listening.
Still learning.
Still being led.
You have given us more
Your Word,
Your truth,
and Your Spirit.
The Holy Spirit that reveals,
that teaches,
that reminds us of who You are.
I know You are coming soon.
But Lord…
bear with us a little longer.
Let the truth we carry
in our hearts and in our minds
be enough to shape us,
to keep us,
and to lead us
into eternity with You.
Amen.
“Lord…I’m sorry that we don’t always understand You…even when You’re being clear”
Reflection
Sit with this for a moment.
What part of this prayer felt most familiar to you?
Where are you still seeking understanding from God?
What does “having ear to hear” look like in your current season?
Is there something God has already shown you…that you may need to revisit?
DeNight Owl Speaks - where even in the quiet, God is still speaking.
