Heartfelt, Honest Prayers
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
John 4:24
The most powerful prayer I ever offered was the shortest. After three depressing years of suicidal despair over my paralysis, I prayed, “God if I can’t die, show me how to live, please!”
Things didn’t change overnight, but with that simple prayer my outlook began to change. I realized that I had to take responsibility and face reality head on. With God’s help, I would have to learn how to do the impossible—handle life in a wheelchair.
And did God help! It’s been said that faith may move mountains, but prayer moves God. I’m convinced the Lord was touched deeply by my short, simple prayer. Why? Because I pushed myself out of the way in order to rely on his Spirit; and I told him the honest truth about my desperate desire to live.
You might not have the strength to say much more to God than a simple prayer like mine. God is not looking for a lot of fancy words. He simply wants you to approach him in spirit and in truth. That means heartfelt honesty.
You may not change overnight after you offer a prayer in heartfelt honesty, but change, you will. When we approach God in spirit and in truth, we touch his heart and move him in a special way.
When you offer your earnest prayer to him, mean it! Then observe a change in your outlook. You just might start living the impossible.
Lord of the impossible, I come to you with an open heart. I want to be honest and truthful with you. I expose my life, I share with you my need. Please glorify yourself through all the situations and problems I will face today. And thank you for caring about my prayers.
Weak Woman, Strong God
Dr. Sutherland joins the podcast to share how God has sustained her through suffering and taught her to rely on his strength in her weakness.
