“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you,” Matthew 6:6 ESV. Prayer requires genuineness, openness, thoughtfulness, humility, faith, and sincerity. These things don’t always come easily to me in the necessary proportions. Thankfully, prayers recorded in Scripture along with both ancient and contemporary prayers written by others provide guidance. I find written prayers helpful and enlightening, but God is never taken in by mere words. Then again, why would I need pretense? He knew me before I was born, He knitted me together in my mother’s womb, and He knows my deepest thoughts, needs, and desires. In His great mercy, My LORD redeems me in spite of my constant failings. Father forgive wanderings. Draw me deep within Your Secret Place. To behold You in prayer and praise transforms my soul.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
Comments
Post a Comment