“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for fifteen minutes of fame! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” (Matthew 6:5-6 MSG)
REFLECTION
The One who made us (and every good thing) knows exactly what is truly needed, when and why. So we need not fret about and focus on the problems before us or the pain and shame within us. We need to turn to and focus on our merciful and marvellous Maker and bring the problems, pain and shame to our true Abba Father, praying honest prayers from our heart. I can testify that when we do this, He will meet us where we are at and show us the right way forward — lovingly leading, healing, redeeming, providing, correcting, protecting and guiding us — breath by breath, step by step. Hallelujah!
PRAYER POEM
Loving Lord, how gloriously good You are, forever our bright Morning Star. The realities of life shake and shift, but Your steadfast love remains the same. Empower me to prayerfully process problems, pain and lingering shame and enable me to help others in Jesus’ name.
