When Do You Talk to God?

My sister Debbie loved many things and among her favorites were gospel music and prayer. There is a performer who has written a Grammy-nominated song, I Need A Favor, that I know would make her heart sing. His name is Jellyroll, and he spent 12 years in prison for many crimes including drugs, robbery, assault, and more. While there he got his GED and wrote over a thousand songs, pouring out his pain on the page and eventually recording them.

This song is really about how so many of us pray prayers of supplication, that is asking God for favors as opposed to saying prayers of gratitude.

This year I am vowing to say more prayers – prayers to be of service, prayers of forgiveness, prayers for the well-being of the planet, and most importantly prayers of gratitude.

I hope you have 3 minutes to watch this music video but if not, here are the lyrics:

I Need A Favor by Jellyroll
I only talk to God when I need a favor
And I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer
So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I
To expect a Savior, oh
If I only talk to God when I need a favor?
But God, I need a favor
I know Amazing Grace, but I ain’t been livin’ them words
Swear I spend most Sundays, drunk off my ass, than I have in church
Hard cover King James only been savin’ dust on the nightstand
And I don’t know what to say by the time I fold my hands
I only talk to God when I need a favor
And I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer
So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I
To expect a Savior, oh
If I only talk to God when I need a favor?
But God, I need a favor
Amen, amen
Yeah, I owe you more than one and beggars can’t be choosers
But I’ll pay for all I’ve done, just please don’t let me lose her
I only talk to God when I need a favor
And I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer
So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I
To expect a Savior, oh
If I only talk to God when I need a favor?
But God, I need a favor
Amen, amen
Amen, amen
Hangin’ in there, just barely
Throwin’ up prayers, like Hail Mary’s
If You’re still there, Lord, spare me
Oh my God, oh my God, Hail Mary
Hangin’ in there, just barely
Throwin’ up prayers, like Hail Mary’s
If You’re still there, Lord, spare me
Oh my God, oh my God, Hail Mary
I only talk to God when I need a favor
And I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer
So tell me, who the hell am I to expect a Savior
When I only talk to God if I need a favor?
God, I need a favor
Amen
God, I need a favor, woah
Amen

What will you pray for this year?

Wishing you love, laughter, and magical kisses.

Arielle