I can’t stand it when people use the word “just” as the adjective in their prayers preceding what they want God to do. Why do we minimize God’s activity on our behalf? Why do we attempt to diminish the significance of what we ask Him to do? Should we just eliminate “just”? “Lord, I just want to…” “God, we just need…” “Jesus, if you would just…”

Here’s my beef. When we use that simple qualifier, we are adjusting our attitude about the significance of what we are asking God to do, making His response seem less meaningful or special. It diminishes the miracle of answered prayer and reduces the majesty of God.

People from different denominational backgrounds or theological orientations develop language patterns in their prayers, repeating certain words and phrases that are foreign to people in other religious groups. Yet, the term “just” has been incorporated into the prayers of people across theological and denominational lines. Sadly, it is one of the most consistent behaviors in American Christianity.