The Prayer That Makes It All Right
Jesus told the story of two men who went to church to pray. One stood proud and named off all his accomplishments. He compared himself to another person near him who was also praying and gave thanks that he was much better than that man since the man was known in the community to be guilty of all sorts of wrong doing.
The other person, who admitted he was guilty of wrong doing, hung his head in shame, opened his heart to God and confessed His sin asking God for mercy and forgiveness. Jesus said it was the person who knew He had sinned and asked for forgiveness that went home in right relationship with God.
(see Luke 18:9-14 for the story)
God teaches us this principle in His Word:
Pride brings a person low. But those whose spirits are low will be honored.
Proverbs 29:23
None of us have to look very deeply to find ways we’ve acted on our own character flaws. And yet, why is it always so much easier to make a list of what others did to us than to admit our own painful mistakes, take responsibility, and seek forgiveness for harm we’ve caused.
The Lord is honest and good. He teaches sinners to walk in his ways. He shows those who aren’t proud how to do what is right. He teaches them his ways.
Psalm 25:8-9
Comparing our actions with another’s actions to minimize our destructive behaviour will never heal our hearts or restore our relationship with God.
Only a humble acknowledgement of our own shortcomings before God and seeking His help in removing them will get us to the place of peace we long to experience.
Be humble in front of the Lord and he will lift you up.
James 4:10
Loving God, our first prayer always needs to be, “Lord be merciful to me a sinner. Today, once again we ask that You will wash us clean, Lord Jesus, from all our sins with Your precious blood. Give us a pure heart and mind. Renew a right spirit in us.
Bring us joy and gladness as we stand on the truth of Your word that says once we’ve confessed our sins and received Your forgiveness, You will remember no more. Amen
So, with gratitude and humility, let’s get it right today by admitting to God, ourselves, and anyone else we need to, where we’ve gotten it wrong.
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