Day 12 of our Lenten Journey

Have you ever asked yourself the question: "why is this person's prayer answered and mine are not?" Sometimes we put ourselves in the wrong position and pass judgement on others without even realizing it. If we're not careful we may come off as being religious and legalistic instead of being faithful and holy.

Jesus made it clear how our prayers were to be, or rather our posture of prayer should be.

First: Jesus points out that we are to be persistant like the widow in the gospel account today.

Second: We're to be humble; we are all sinners in need of forgivenss and saving, no better than anyone else. Third: We are to be child-like, joyful and carefree, trusting in God's provision and mercy. When we approach the father like a child we are assured that God already knows what we seek and that His answer to our prayer is exceedingly more than we can expect or imagine. 

In chapter 6 of Matthew's gospel Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and what to pray. When combined with the examples above your prayer life will take on a new fit and feel. 

May it be like talking with a friend who loves you deeply and listens to everything you have to say, and even if they don't agree, you feel no condemnation but a conviction of the heart that only makes the relationship sweeter and more intimate.

Today ask God to expose the places in your heart that keep you from being humble and genuine.

Ask for the strength and the boldness to share your most 'real and authentic self' with the Lord, even if it means being vulnerable.  

Read: Matthew 6:5-14; Luke 18:1-17

Prayer of consecration

Lord,

I confess my sins and failures to you and I am very sorry for having sinned against You.  Give me the strength to seek and accept Your grace and forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, you poured yourself out completely and died for me so that I would have eternal life. I claim that wonderful and indescribable gift of salvation.

Create a pure heart in me, refresh my spirit and renew my mind and body.

I consecrate myself to you Lord and ask that you use me according to your holy will.

I pray in Jesus name.

Amen