Jonah’s Do Over Prayer

“In trouble, deep trouble, I prayed to God. He answered me.
From the belly of the grave I cried, ‘Help!’
I was as far down as a body can go,
and the gates were slamming shut behind me forever—
Yet you pulled me up from that grave alive, O God, my God!
When my life was slipping away, I remembered God,
And my prayer got through to you,
made it all the way to your Holy Temple.
Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love.
But I’m worshiping you, God, calling out in thanksgiving!
And I’ll do what I promised I’d do! Salvation belongs to God!”

(Jonah 2:6-9, MSG)

The answer might not be pleasant but you will be forgiven and free to start over. I imagine being vomited up by a great fish might even be worse than being in one. Ugh.

Then God spoke to the fish, and it vomited up Jonah on the seashore. (Jonah 2:10, MSG)

Prayer-Lord, Steer us aright Lord no matter how hard and painful the path. Amen.