Becoming a praying mantis
Let’s get a few things straight about mantis shrimps. To confuse you right from the start, they are neither mantises, nor are they shrimps (they just look a bit like a mix of the two).
Their beautiful shells shimmer in a mix of greens, reds, and blues as they scuttle about on the seafloor. With two huge eyes sticking up out of their heads on stalks, they can see more colours than any animal on earth!
Shrimps are usually seen as small, helpless animals. So much so, the word shrimp is used as an insult to describe a weak person! Mantis shrimps might look a bit shrimpy, but in actual fact they are champion fighters. Hidden under a Mantis Shrimp’s shell is a pair of spring-loaded punching claws! These bruising weapons can crack thick crab shells open with just one whack. They hit so hard and so fast, at the moment of impact the water around their claws heats up to hotter than the surface of the sun!
As believers in Jesus, we also pack a power-punching secret weapon of our own – prayer! When we are feeling weak (or shrimpy!), praying to God can turn us into champion fighters too, and fill us with confidence and wisdom.
Jesus was the ultimate prayer warrior! Whenever he faced a difficult decision or a hard time – he prayed. Like the time he prayed for wisdom to choose his disciples, or when he asked God for strength to endure the pain of the cross. He prayed because he knew that prayer releases God’s power and is the “spiritual punch” that “cracks open” difficult situations, just like the mantis shrimp’s punches crack open a crab shell.
Sometimes, God will give us the answer to crack a problem straight away when we pray, and sometimes it can take a long time (which can be frustrating!)
Because of this, we can get disappointed and be tempted to avoid prayer altogether. But a believer who doesn’t pray is like a mantis shrimp who doesn’t throw any punches! Every time we pray, God listens, and his hotter-than-the-sun, incredible power is released - even if we don’t always see the “open shell” of the answer right away. So fight like a mantis shrimp, and lift up some power-punching, armour-piercing, passionate prayer pleas today!
POWER PRAYER IDEAS
Pray with the Bible – God’s words are powerful prayer aids! Look up Philippians 4:6-7 and read it aloud as a prayer to God. As you read, think about a difficult situation in your life, and ask for God’s help.
Silent Prayer – prayer doesn’t always have to be out loud! Go to a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, shut your eyes, and simply listen to God for five minutes. When you are done, write down what you think God might be saying to you.
FISHY JOKES
What is a mantis shrimp's favourite drink?
A strong punch
What is a mantis shrimp's second favourite drink?
A shrimp cocktail
Who brings mantis shrimps their Christmas presents?
Santa Claws
SHRIMPY TALES
As strong as a rock!
The shells of Mantis Shrimps are so strong that they are studied by human engineers as inspiration for developing stronger body armour for soldiers.
Global Citizens
Mantis shrimps are found in warm waters over the world, from Africa, to Europe, Australia and Japan.
Long Lived
In captivity, a Mantis Shrimp can live up to twenty years!
Liked this post?
Then check out this episode on the magnificent monarch butterfly and find out all about how God guides us by his word and his spirit.
Aaron Diamond
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