Empty Handed

It became a family mantra of sorts. I grew up hearing it and, in turn, my husband and I preached it to our kids…don’t leave the car empty-handed! The list of items to be toted included everything from backpacks to groceries, suitcases to toys and everything else in between. When I was growing up in a family of six children, this also applied to not leaving a younger sibling behind.

As an adjunct to the Golden Rule, I held to the belief that a considerate guest never arrives empty-handed. Bring a small gift for the host or a food contribution to any meal to which we were invited.

During my morning prayer-chair time this Lent, I am reminded that open hands can signify both giving and receiving. I find myself praying with hands opened and resting in my lap, palms facing up in a ready-to-receive position.

God is such a wise parent. I have no doubt He is telling me to come to Him in prayer empty-handed. He is reminding me to quit worrying about bringing all kinds of stuff to the table. I suspect that He appreciates more when I tell him in prayer, “I got nothin’, Lord” rather than focusing on how many different prayers I can offer up or how precisely I am going through the many intentions on my God wish-list.

More and more, there are times when I don’t know what to ask for or whom to pray for because I am loaded down with stuff. I don’t know what I need but I know I need something. That sounds like a strong indication that I need to come to God with empty hands, both literally and figuratively.

Of course, for some occasions I will still arrive with my hands full, carrying something to be given to another. With God, I am learning a difficult-for-me lesson of coming to Him empty-handed, ready to receive whatever He wishes to bestow.