Why MyEmptyPrayer?
The story behind the name — and an invitation to discover your own.
The Event That Spawned This Website's Name
Starting at exactly 11:11PM on 11/11/2019 the Holy Spirit showed up in my bedroom and simply took control of me. Total control of my soul for about 1 week. If you know the 12 Steps of AA, he orchestrated a complete Step 9 of making amends to those we hurt, driving me to specific individuals in a specific order with specific words and feelings to express. Surprisingly, He did not prompt me to offer yet one more "I'm sorry", or "please forgive me", or another totally empty "I promise". Thankfully, he orchestrated very deep and heartfelt "thank yous" to numerous friends and loving relatives that stood by me through decades of my alcoholism and my feebly unsuccesful attempt at being an atheist. The personal gratitude I feel to all those individuals cannot be fully expressed.
At the end of that amazing process, I was exhausted, lying on my stomach and elbows on my bed, with my head propped up in my hands. I wanted more. I wanted more direction. I was "all in" with Jesus all the sudden, and sought further guidance.
So I called for him.
"Jesus", I said out loud.
Nothing.
"Jesus", I proclaimed slightly louder.
Nothing.
"JESUS!!!"
Still nothing.
So out of nowhere, I gave up and simply paused and reflected with one very sincere..."Thank You".
Then all of the sudden I had an amazing feeling of total calmness sweep over me. I realized right at that moment that I had nothing more to ask for. For the first time in my life, I realized I was at total peace (and serenity) with complete gratitude for all the gifts I have been blessed with in this life.
It was a beautiful feeling.
I pray everyone has an opportunity to totally feel and express an empty prayer some time in their life. Like other songs on this website, I waited not-so-patiently for about 6 months before the Holy Spirit chose to send me the words to my (now favorite) song with this website's name.
"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…thank you."
MyEmptyPrayer Song
The above story describes the moment leading up to “MyEmptyPrayer”. I knew right away that would be a cool song. But the problem is I have never believed I am a song writer. Virtually every one of my “original” songs has come from my Holy Spirit. Just like many other songs He sent me, He sends me the title first, then tests my patience for a while. When I least expect it, in comes the song and this “scribe” can barely write the words fast enough. Somehow I can’t remember when or where I was when this one showed up, but betting it took all of 3-5 minutes to capture the words. Enjoy.
Listen to "MyEmptyPrayer" on the Music page and let it speak to wherever you are in your journey.
Go to Music PageYour Empty Prayer Moment
Here's what I believe with everything in me: everyone has an "empty prayer" moment waiting for them. A moment when the pretense falls away, when the masks come off, when you finally stop performing your own act and start being real with God.
Maybe you're in that moment right now. Maybe you've been running from it. Maybe you've already had it and you're still processing what it means.
Whatever your story, you're welcome here. This site exists for you — the person who is tired of addiction, the person searching for something real, the songwriter who wants to turn their pain into purpose.
Anticipate a glorious moment. Your empty prayer is the beginning of something beautiful.