Daily Companion  | 6 August

STOP PRAYING AMISS

 I listened and heard, but they do not speak aright. No man repented of his wickedness,Saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turned to his own course, as the horse rushes into the battle. - Jeremiah 8:6 (NKJV)

Two men went up to the Church to pray, one church worker and the other a corrupt politician. The church worker stood and prayed thus, “God, I thank You that I am not an extortioner, adulterer, or like politicians who emblezzle public funds. I pray and fast twice a week; I pay my tithes faithfully. Lord you need to answer me”.  Then the politician, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying only, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” Christ said, this politician went back to his house justified rather than the obedient but arrogant believer. 

Before God, self righteousness is like a filthy rag. No one should claim any justification except such as inputed by God Himself. A prayer without asking for mercy but playing obedience card before God may appear arrogant. God may listen to and hear your prayers but to answer and grant your request requires penitence. Stop praying amiss. Speak right before. Speak humbly before God. It is safer and humbler to always seek His forgiveness and mercy (even if you feel upright) than to fail to seek pardon for unknown error. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8). 

Christ taught His disciples the acceptable way to pray to God and the very important part was: “forgive us our sins; as we also forgive every one that is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4). if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). 

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14). Beloved, those were exact words of the Lord. As you rise to appear before God this day, speak right. Seek forgiveness. Seek mercy. Repent. Salvation may be one-off experience but repentance remains a life-time habit of the penitent.   

Today’s Recite: You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss... - James 4:3

Today’s Morning Prayers: My heavenly Father, I confess and repent all known and unknown sins in my life. I am nothing but a clay. I ask for Your mercy first before every other thing, Lord. Please, Lord, hear me and grant all my petitions before You. May Your name be glorified in my life in Jesus name. Amen!

Today’s Hymn: JUST AS I AM

Today’s ReadMe:  Jeremiah 7 - 9