Tag: the lords prayer

Feasting Without Fulfillment: Battling the Temptation of Overindulgence

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Tonight, I had to sit down and pour my heart out because this battle with overindulgence has been quietly gnawing at the edges of my faith. And honestly, I’m sick of pretending that it’s not affecting me. Whether it’s food, social media, endless scrolling, or just chasing the next little high—I’ve let too many earthly things take up space in my soul where only You belong.

Overindulgence isn’t just about excess; it’s about idolatry. That’s what You’ve been pressing on my heart lately. It’s not just me failing to “have discipline.” It’s me turning to broken cisterns that hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13) when You, the fountain of living water, are right here. I’ve made small gods out of comfort, distraction, and instant gratification.

And yet… You still pursue me.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:13

That verse hits me different now. You don’t abandon me in the temptation—you make escape routes. But am I taking them? Or am I choosing to sit in the flame because I like the warmth, even though I know it’s burning me?

Lord, You know my heart. You know that when I reach for more food, more comfort, more scrolling—what I’m really reaching for is peace, joy, control… something to numb the ache. But only You satisfy.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
– Matthew 5:6

I want to be filled with righteousness, not with stuff. Not with momentary pleasures. Not with counterfeit comforts. The more I stuff myself with the world, the emptier I feel. You didn’t design me to live like this.

You are my portion.
You are my peace.
You are more than enough.

I remember when Jesus was in the wilderness. Satan tempted Him with all the world’s comforts, and Jesus didn’t negotiate or reason—He responded with the Word. That’s where I need to go back. Scripture isn’t just knowledge, it’s weaponry.

“It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
– Matthew 4:4

(CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON TO PRAY WITH ME)

I’ve been living on bread alone—on dopamine hits and empty calories of worldly joy. But I crave the Bread of Life. Jesus, You are that Bread.

Holy Spirit, help me walk by You, not by the flesh. Galatians 5:16 says if I do that, I won’t gratify the desires of the flesh. It’s not just about saying “no” to the temptation—it’s about saying a louder, more wholehearted “YES” to You. I can’t white-knuckle my way out of this. I need transformation from the inside out.

Lord, expose the lies I believe. The lie that I need “just one more bite,” or “just one more episode,” or “just a little retail therapy.” Rip the mask off of every false savior in my life. I want to see it for what it is—a thief of joy, a robber of peace.

And You… You are the Good Shepherd who restores my soul.
You don’t shame me. You sanctify me.

You say:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
– 2 Corinthians 12:9

That means I don’t have to fake strength I don’t have. I can bring You the mess, the cravings, the cycle of overdoing it and regretting it. I can confess it—not as someone who’s defeated—but as someone who knows victory is coming, not because of me, but because of Christ in me.

Father, teach me contentment. Teach me to be grateful for the portion You give. Gratitude is such a weapon—it disarms the discontentment that fuels my overindulgence. When I thank You for what I have, I stop obsessing over what I think I lack.

“Give us this day our daily bread…”
Not tomorrow’s, not next week’s, not Costco-sized spirituality. Daily. You want me to trust You one day at a time, and that’s enough.

Also, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life who love me enough to hold me accountable. You never meant for me to walk through temptation alone. Community isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether it’s through prayer, confession, or just checking in, I’m reminded that the enemy thrives in isolation, but dies in the light.

Tonight, I’m choosing to step into that light.

How to Resist the Temptation of Overindulgence (With God’s Help)

1. Recognize the Root

Overindulgence isn’t just bad behavior—it’s misplaced belief.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:21

I need to ask: What am I really craving? Is it comfort? Validation? Control? Peace? Once I recognize that the “thing” isn’t the real issue, I can begin to let Jesus meet the real need.

2. Pray Immediately and Intentionally

When temptation rises, I’m learning to stop and pray—even if it’s a whisper:

“Father, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil” (Matthew 6:13).

Temptation thrives in silence. But when I bring God into the moment, the grip starts to loosen. He doesn’t expect me to be perfect—He wants me to be dependent.

3. Use Scripture as a Weapon

When Jesus was tempted, He didn’t argue—He quoted truth.

“It is written…” —Matthew 4:4

Here’s what I’m memorizing now:

  • “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11)
  • “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1)
  • “Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16)

These verses are my ammo when I feel weak. They remind me that I lack nothing in Christ.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Sometimes I give in without thinking. But now I pause and ask:

  • What triggered this?
  • What am I feeling?
  • What lie am I believing?

I’ve started slowing down—especially when eating, scrolling, or shopping. When I move slower, I see clearer. I’m not meant to numb myself with noise but to notice what God’s already doing.

“Be still and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10

5. Establish Boundaries

I deleted a few apps today. Not because I’m “so spiritual,” but because I’m so easily distracted. I’ve created boundaries around meals, screen time, and spending.

Because honestly, why fight temptation on its turf when I can just flee?

“Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace…” —2 Timothy 2:22

6. Distract with Purpose

When a craving hits, I redirect it with intentional action:

  • Go on a walk and pray.
  • Read a Psalm aloud.
  • Text a godly friend.
  • Put on worship music and sing (even badly).

Distraction isn’t bad when it leads me to the One who actually satisfies.

7. Visualize Success in Christ

I don’t have to be a slave to “I can’t help myself.” That’s not my story anymore.

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” —1 Corinthians 6:19–20

When I visualize myself resisting temptation—by God’s grace—I’m reminding myself that victory is possible. Not because of me, but because the Holy Spirit lives in me.

8. Seek Accountability

I confessed to a sister in Christ today. I told her about the areas I’m struggling with, and she didn’t judge me—she prayed with me.

Overindulgence thrives in secret. But confession brings healing.

“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” —James 5:16

9. Get Rest

Overindulgence creeps in when I’m tired, burned out, and empty. Jesus Himself rested. So who am I to try to live without it?

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28

When I rest in Him, I don’t need to reach for false comforts. I’m filled already.

10. Cultivate Gratitude Daily

Gratitude isn’t fluff—it’s spiritual warfare.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18

I’ve started writing down 3 things I’m thankful for each day. It’s harder to crave more when I realize I already have so much in Christ.

God, I surrender my cravings to You. I lay down every place in my heart that I’ve tried to fill without You. Heal the root, not just the symptoms. Cleanse my heart, renew my mind, and help me find true satisfaction in You alone. Teach me to recognize temptation for what it is—and give me the strength and desire to flee from it.

Father, I confess my need for You. I’m not strong on my own. But with You, I have victory. With You, I can walk in freedom. Let my life glorify You, not my own pleasure.

Help me, Lord, to live in step with Your Spirit. Help me say no to what harms me, and yes to what brings You glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

One step at a time. One prayer at a time. I will not be defined by my struggles—I will be refined by God’s strength.

Jesus didn’t die so I could live in bondage. He died so I could live in freedom.

And I choose that freedom—today and every day after.

A Prayer for Every Need: The Our Father Is The Perfect Prayer

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on how we approach prayer, and honestly, it’s been a bit of a struggle. I know, I know, that’s not the kind of thing you’d expect me to admit, but here we are. I guess I’m wondering—does anyone else feel like they pray the hardest when things are falling apart? Maybe it’s not even something major, but those times when you’re tossing and turning in bed, too tired to sleep, too restless to relax. Or the times when everything seems fine on the surface, but deep down, you’re carrying a weight you can’t quite shake. Is that when your most fervent prayer comes too? When you don’t know what to say but know you need God more than anything?

I’m guilty of not always knowing how to pray. Even after all this time, I still feel like I’m fumbling for the right words sometimes. I’ve got good intentions—good heart—but my mind just goes blank. I can sit there and talk to God like He’s right there beside me, and still, I get caught up in the silence, wondering if I’ve said the right things, or if I’ve said enough.

Maybe that’s something you’ve struggled with too. Maybe you’ve set aside time to pray, but then, when the time comes, you find yourself with nothing to say. Your mind wanders, and the words seem to escape you. I know I’m not the only one who has experienced this. Heck, even Jesus’ disciples struggled with this! They came to Him asking, “Lord, teach us how to pray.” (Luke 11:1). If they needed help, who am I to think I’ve got it all figured out?

That’s when I turn to what Jesus taught in Matthew 6. I think it’s such a beautiful, straightforward reminder of what prayer really is. Jesus didn’t just leave us to figure it out on our own. He gave us a model, a guide. And it’s one of the simplest yet most powerful prayers ever spoken.

Matthew 6:9-13 tells us:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we also forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”

I don’t know about you, but I find so much comfort in those words. They’re the words of Jesus—God’s own Son—given to us as a blueprint for how to connect with the Father. And what gets me is that even though we’ve heard it a thousand times in church or at family dinners, the more I sit with it, the more I realize how perfect this prayer truly is.

I’ve come to see that this prayer, the Our Father, is a model for my prayer. It’s not just something we recite in groups or before meals. It’s personal. It’s a conversation with God. Every single line is full of meaning, and it shows us how to align our hearts with His will.

Let’s break it down:

  1. Our Father in heaven – He is our Father. Not just a Father, but our personal Father. There’s intimacy here. He is close. He cares. He hears us. And He’s in heaven, ruling and reigning, but still fully present with us.
  2. Hallowed be your name – His name is holy. This is a moment of reverence, where we acknowledge the power, majesty, and sanctity of who God is. It’s a recognition that He is far beyond us, and yet, He chooses to be with us.
  3. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven – This is where I have to check my heart. How often do I pray for His will to be done over my own? If I’m being honest, sometimes I’d rather have my own plans fulfilled. But Jesus reminds me that His Kingdom, His way of doing things, is what truly matters. It’s about surrendering control. It’s about saying, “God, I want what You want.” It’s a prayer for the world to be made right, and for me to live in line with that.
  4. Give us today our daily bread – Simple, isn’t it? It’s not asking for an abundance, just for what we need today. This is a reminder to trust God every single day, to rely on Him for provision. It’s humbling. It’s saying, “God, I need You today, and tomorrow, and the next day.”
  5. And forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us – This one stings, doesn’t it? It’s so much easier to ask God to forgive us than it is to forgive others. But that’s the thing. The forgiveness we receive is the same forgiveness we are called to extend. It’s a sobering reminder that grace isn’t just for me, it’s for everyone.
  6. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one – This is where I have to pray with real honesty. I know I can’t make it through life on my own. I need God’s help to avoid sin, to stay on the path of righteousness. It’s a plea for His protection. A plea for strength when we face the trials and temptations of this world.

There it is. The perfect prayer. Simple yet profound. Jesus knew exactly what we needed to pray. Not a bunch of empty words or mindless repetition, but a prayer that brings us back to the heart of God. A prayer that grounds us in His presence. It covers everything: worship, submission, provision, forgiveness, and deliverance.

If you’re like me and often feel like you’re stammering in your prayers, let the Our Father guide you. It’s not just something you recite by memory. It’s a framework for how we live in relationship with God. Sometimes, when I have nothing left to say, I just repeat these words, and in that, I find peace.

God knows exactly what we need, even before we ask (Matthew 6:8). And yet, He still invites us to pray. That’s grace. So when you don’t know what to say, pray the Our Father. Let it be your breath when your spirit is dry.

God, You are good. Your will is perfect. Help me to trust You more, to forgive more, and to follow You with all my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Please Click on any of the Images below and PRAY with me!

Words of Grace: Top 10 Christian Prayers Every Believer Knows By Heart

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

The world feels heavy, but my heart is heavier for those who claim to believe, yet barely acknowledge Your presence. I’m not judging—well, maybe I am a little—but it’s because I care. I believe in You more than I believe in the air in my lungs. And if prayer is how we breathe spiritually, then we’re walking around as a suffocating generation.

CLICK HERE TO ENJOY ALL 10 PRAYERS….

So here it is: the 10 Christian prayers that have helped me stand when I had no strength, cry when I felt numb, and believe when I was tempted not to.

1 – The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father): A central Christian prayer taught by Jesus, found in the Bible, with variations across traditions.

This is the blueprint. Jesus Himself gave it to us, not just to recite, but to live. I pray it when I don’t know what to say. It reminds me that God is holy, sovereign, forgiving, and my provider. Every time I say, “Thy will be done,” I’m surrendering again. Honestly, it’s hard. But it’s real.

2 – The Hail Mary: A common Catholic prayer invoking the Virgin Mary, full of grace and mercy.

Some people avoid this prayer because they’re scared of sounding “too Catholic.” But I’m not afraid of reverence. Mary said yes to God when it meant scandal, shame, and sacrifice. When I pray this, I remember that obedience is costly, and God honors it.

3 – The Glory Be: A doxology, or prayer of praise, honoring the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This one is like spiritual punctuation. I pray it when I finish thanking God or after reading scripture. It’s my way of saying, “All glory is Yours, not mine.” I can be prideful—especially when I feel spiritually “on fire.” But this resets me. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

4 – The Nicene Creed: A fundamental profession of Christian faith summarizing core beliefs.

I had to memorize this in confirmation class, and I rolled my eyes at it back then. But now, I cling to every line. It’s our identity, our statement of belief. When the world pushes false doctrines, this prayer anchors me to the unshakable truth. “I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ…” Amen.

5 – The Serenity Prayer: A prayer to feel peaceful, often used to promote acceptance and courage.

Acceptance doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m a fighter. But sometimes, the most courageous thing I can do is let go. This prayer pulls me back when anxiety takes over. Philippians 4:6-7 tells me not to be anxious, and this prayer helps me live that out. One sentence at a time.

6 – Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace (Prayer of St. Francis): A well-known prayer by St. Francis of Assisi, asking to be an instrument of peace and love.

This is my go-to when I’m angry, hurt, or ready to argue—which, let’s be honest, happens often. But it convicts me every time: “Where there is hatred, let me sow love.” I can’t claim to follow Christ and still spread bitterness. Lord, make me an instrument. Dismantle my ego.

7 – The Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester: A prayer for spiritual guidance and to feel God’s presence, ending with “Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ”.

It’s not fancy. It’s not long. But wow, it reminds me to pause and just thank Jesus. Not for what I want—but for who He is. Psalm 103:2 says, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” This prayer is my whisper of gratitude when the day has wrecked me.

8 – The Prayer to the Angel of God: An invocation for a guardian angel to protect and guide.

I used to think this one was “childish.” Until I found myself alone in my apartment, sobbing in the dark, feeling like evil was closing in. I prayed it out loud. “Angel of God, my guardian dear…” And peace came. Whether you believe in guardian angels or not, God’s protection is real. Psalm 91:11 confirms it.

9 – The Prayer of Jabez: A biblical prayer for God to bless and enlarge one’s territory.

Some people treat this prayer like a vending machine. But for me, it’s a reminder that I can ask big things of a big God—if my heart is right. “Keep me from evil,” Jabez prayed. That part matters. I don’t want a bigger platform if it pulls me away from righteousness.

10 – Thomas Merton’s Prayer: A prayer for God to lead one’s path, focusing on trust and surrender to divine will.

This prayer is terrifyingly honest—and that’s why I love it. Trust is not pretending I have it together. Trust is saying, “God, I don’t know the way, but I’m following You anyway.” Proverbs 3:5-6 tells me to lean not on my understanding. This prayer helps me do just that.

So here I am, Lord.

Still messy. Still mouthy. Still full of questions. But I’m also full of faith—and I refuse to stay silent about it.

These 10 prayers have changed me, broken me, rebuilt me. They are not magic words. They’re declarations of surrender, hope, and belief. I don’t care if people think I’m “too intense” or “too religious.” I’m just too in love with You to play it safe.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8

I don’t pray these because I have to. I pray them because I can. And I won’t stop.

Why God Wants You To Hurt People’s Feelings (Sometimes)

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

A fellow Christian that attends the same church as myself let me in on some of his troubles the other day.

He had this stressed look on his face.

Like he did something wrong, and no one else but him knew.

After a lot of dancing around the subject, he told me what was on his mind.

His spouse had gained a lot of weight lately, and he wasn’t attracted to her anymore because of that.

But at the same time, he was afraid that if he told her, he might hurt her feelings.

So he felt like he couldn’t do anything about it.

This might not come as a surprise, but I hear a lot of stories like that.

People hide their true feelings from their loved ones because they don’t want to hurt them.

They think they are protecting them.

But they are doing more wrong than good.

We often underestimate how strong people are.

Humans have survived tragedies, slavery, disease – the list goes on.

They can handle having their feelings hurt.

God has made us tough.

And through hardship is how we grow.

If we want our loved ones to work through their problems, we have to hurt their feelings sometimes.

It’s fine.

We usually make things worse in our heads than how they actually are.

If a loved one has gained weight, does something that bothers you, or wears clothes that don’t fit them, you should tell them.

It might be uncomfortable at first, but they will be thankful you were honest in the long run.

It is a much finer alternative than talking about them behind their back.

Hiding your true feelings can lead to resentment.

It slowly eats you up from the inside.

And it is how couples end up splitting up.

Honesty is crucial in any relationship.

If we constantly try to make people happy, then we can end up hurting them and ourselves in the process.

As well as causing THIS to our health.

But if we respect our loved ones and want them to grow, we should always be telling them the truth.

Even if the truth is uncomfortable.

God Bless