DAY 20 - RE-IGNITION: PRAY HONESTLY

written by Jim Henry

Are you honest with God when you pray? Do you really talk to God when you pray? Hebrews 4:13 tells us why we should be honest when we pray:

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

The Bible says that God already knows, and there's no use to try to cover up anything. That word "uncovered" is also translated "open." That Greek word in the text has two magnificent meanings.

First, it's used with two wrestlers, meaning a face-to-face confrontation. It was a man who grabbed his opponent by the throat. The other meaning is in connection with a man who went to court with a criminal charge against him, and they put a knife point right under his chin. When he stood before the judge, he could not bow his head and not look the judge in the eye, or his throat would be cut. He had to look at the judge.

What is that saying? That like a man under judgment, when we go to pray, God knows our hearts and we might as well come face to face with Him when we're praying.

Are you angry with God about something? Tell Him. He already knows it. Do you resent something that someone has done to you? Tell God. Is there a job you didn't get and you don't understand why? You're all torn up on the inside about it? Be honest with God. Tell Him you don't understand. He knows already what you're thinking.

PRAYER #20 - In All Honesty, Lord...

If you want to improve your prayer life, be honest with your feelings. If you're having a fear, tell God you're afraid. If there's a doubt, tell God about it. If you're anxious, tell God that. If you have a controversy with God, tell Him so. Use everyday language. It will make a difference.