Courage to Be Honest with God
Your Nightly Prayer
By: Greg Grandchamp
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at every street corner.” - Lamentations 2:19
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Do you ever sit down to pray and struggle to find the right words? Why is it sometimes so difficult for us to say the “right” thing? Maybe because we know we’re talking to the Lord, and we don’t want to offend or assume. But is that what the Lord is looking for? Often, we then resort to reading or reciting prayers we know by heart. After all, we grew up with the Lord’s prayer, right? But let’s not forget – Jesus didn’t say this is what you should pray, but rather, this is how you should pray.
Many people believe the Lord’s Prayer should be recited word for word, as if the words have some special influence on the Lord. But that is not what the Bible teaches. Jesus taught us to go into our room, close the door, and pray to the Father, and the Father will hear us. Jesus also said we ought not “keep on babbling like pagans” because they think they’ll be heard repeating the same words over and over and over. (Matthew 6:6-7) No – we are to pour out our hearts to the Father and not simply repeat and recite memorized words. Paul taught us in Philippians 4:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The Lord is much more interested in the fact that we are sitting in communication with Him and are honest enough to hear our hearts than in the specific words we use. Is it okay to pray the Lord’s prayer to God if your heart is truly in it. The Lord values sincerity and authenticity in our prayers more than rigid structure. We need only read what He says to Israel in the book of Isaiah 1:11 – “all your sacrifices, what are they to me? I have more than enough burnt offerings of ram and of the fat of animals. I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.” (author paraphrase) God wants our hearts. He wants us to come to Him with open hearts and in love.
When our own kids come to us, they don’t use polished or memorized speeches. (Okay, maybe sometimes they memorize their speeches.) They come to us as they are – flaws and all. Calling on God in truth means coming authentically – no pretending, no performing, no hiding. It means speaking honestly – “Lord, I’m struggling.” “Father, I’m afraid.” “Jesus, I need you.” That kind of prayer grows out of a real relationship. Tell him what is truly in your heart. If you’re tired – say so. If you’re grateful, express it. If you failed – admit it. If you sinned – speak out! The thing is, He already knows all this. He knows us better than anyone ever could.
Just like any loving father, your heavenly Father hears you and sees you when you call on him in truth. From your heart. God wants to be a part of our daily journey through life. Helping us through the good times and the struggles. Guiding us towards what He knows is right. No matter what happens to you, take it to God. If you’re struggling – it doesn’t mean you need to try harder or work harder or do better – you need to go to God. The moment you whisper “my father,” he listens.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Oh Lord,
I come before you right now with no memorized words or prayers. I come with my heart on fire for you, the one true God. I know you are here with me, and I know you are listening to me. Lord, I want nothing but your will in my life, and I truly open my heart to that. I know that you will always take care of us, Lord. And yes, Father, I have sinned against you time and again – please forgive those sins. And help me become the person I choose to be in Christ, forgiving others. All this I pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
- Remember, the Spirit of God is not just going to be near us – but in us. God isn’t just beside you – He is within you. (John 16:13)
- Drop the formality. Come to God with simple honesty. Speak to him as your father – after all, that is what He is.
- Sometimes it is okay to come in simple silence, to just sit with Him, be near Him, and listen for Him. Take a deep breath and slowly let it out. Acknowledge His presence with you.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Getty/gregepperson
Greg doesn’t pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else – in pursuit of truth.
Greg can be reached by email or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.
For the one who is weary without answers. If you’re still showing up and still praying — but starting to wonder if it’s working — this 90-day devotional will meet you right there, with honesty and Scripture in place of easy answers.
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