Simple and selfless by Deon Crafford

Luke 18:13-14 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Have you ever been lost for words? I am sure most of us can answer yes to this. Perhaps one of the most common ways of being lost for words, comes from being in the presence of someone in high authority or who is highly revered as an outstanding person. You just don’t know what to say that would be meaningful. Many teens would know that coming face to face with a boy or a girl you’ve liked for some time, can also leave you lost for words. I think this condition is designed into us to prevent us from making complete fools of ourselves. It is when we override this setting that we get entangled in a mess of self-interest, shameless self-promotion and downright stupid utterances. Being lost for words is a blessing. It is also a blessing in my praying to God. Sometimes the less I say, the simpler my utterance, the more I avail my heart to the heart of God. If I truly understand the person of who I am engaging in my prayer, simplicity would be appropriate.

My prayer is not preaching to God; rather committing all my faculties to Him in the moment. My prayers are not effective because of me or my eloquent way of weaving it together, but because of God and His immeasurable grace and power. I am reminded that prayer is an engagement between God and I (or us, in corporate prayer). I am not to pray for the ears of others, but to the heart of my King. I could not care less what others think of my prayer, should it find God’s heart. Simple and selfless.

Love to all

DC