What do we deserve?
So we got a little instruction today on prayer… No, we got schooled. It’s kind of funny when Neil gets on a soapbox, even when it’s a small one.
More to the point: if God really is who He says He is, and He is in the room with me right now, that changes everything! How much do I know about Him? How much do I focus on Him?
Do my prayers seem like He’s out there somewhere, distant, and I have to fill Him in on what’s going on? Or is He close like a friend, in the chair next to me, and I can pour my heart out to Him? (I used to pray in the car when I had a longer commute, and I would mentally picture Him in the seat beside me – weird, but it worked for me.)
I honestly think God doesn’t hold it against us when we ask Him to be with someone in need. I think He can see through the words to the intent of our heart, thank goodness. But how much more effective would a more thoughtful prayer be? I don’t want to get hung up on the words I use, but I also want them to be real and true.
The part about being grateful hits close to home, since we work on saying thank you every day, many, many times a day. I was reminded of what Erwin McManus (pastor of Mosaic Church in Pasadena) made his kids say every time they told him they deserved something…
Dad: What was that? What do you deserve?
Kids: (singsongy, monotone voices) Death and hell…
Dad: That’s right. Very good.
That’s as related to me by my husband, who listens to Erwin’s podcasts from time to time. And it’s funny, but true – I’m so grateful God didn’t give me what I actually deserve. Thank you, Father, for your grace.
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