But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; Isaiah 64:6 KJVAs the preacher looked over the congregation, pondering his next victim, I sank lower and lower in my chair. He always chose someone at random from the congregation to pray, so everyone tried to avoid making eye contact with him during this time. You would suddenly find everyone reading their Bible or the church bulletin.
When I was called on to pray, I just felt so unworthy, so unqualified, especially when asked to pray for others or in public. I looked down on myself and felt that if people knew me, they wouldn't be asking me to pray. I just felt that my prayers were weak, that others could do better, and I often could not properly get the words out because of over thinking what I was going to say.
Finally one day in frustration, I just confessed to the Lord that 'I am not worthy to do this so stop asking me.' To my amazement I heard 'That's right. You're not' and then this verse came to my remembrance in a very clear way. He made it very real to me. All our righteousness is as a filthy rag, literally in Hebrew, a menstrual cloth.
We all know this in our head, but I finally understood in my heart that it is not our religious performance, or our acts of 'righteousness' that makes us worthy to come to the Lord in prayer. It is the sacrifice of His Son Jesus that makes us worthy to pray. We stand before Him washed as white as snow by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, while our own 'righteousness' is as a menstrual cloth.
When you are called on to pray, step out boldly knowing that God has made you righteous through His Son Jesus Christ, and not by your own actions. You are only worthy, because He has made you worthy, and you were brought here for such a time as this. So pray it boldly like you mean it, and speak to Him like you would your Dad.
Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to redeem us, to wipe away our sin. Now we can come boldly to You in prayer. I adore You and want to know You better. Please fill me with Your love and peace, shine Your light through me, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: Our weekly RHM Live church service will be happening this morning at 10am EST. Join us for a time of worship, interactive prayer, and fellowship, and to hear what has been happening recently in our lives. To participate in the chatroom you need to have a site account, but if not, you can still watch the video of the study. Service starts at 10am EST, but all are encouraged to show up 15 minutes early for fellowship, and to make sure the stream is working for you before we start. Love you all! Here is the link to join:
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Amen!!
Please GOD give me peace of mind. Help me to know that I can only do so much on my own I need your help God. You know what I need God. Jesus help my grandchildren. Show me what to do. Praise God amen
Amen,please bless our family.
I love this it is so true praise God happy Sunday everyone
Lord grant me the wisdom to know when to say what. Whether aloud or in private, I ask that you correct my words and pronunciations that only the true meaning of the prayer is heard by others.
Amen!!
Thank You Jesus for redeeming me! May my thoughts, words and actions be pleasing to You, Father. Amen.
Dear Father grant me the wisdom to speak boldly about Your Son Jesus everywhere I may be. Talk to me in a way that I understand to express Your love and care for us to everyone we encounter. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Glory be to God.
Awesome devotional Pastor, God bless you.
Amen!!
Amen
Amen!
I'M THAT WAY ,I CAN'T PRAY, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN,I LET HIM PRAY FOR ME, HE KNOWS MY HEART
Amen. I find it easier to pray for others than myself.
Amen!
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Thank you Pastor Dion for this message. I also have a hard time praying in public and I feel that everyone is looking at me and judging me. I know I am not worthy and that only Jesus' death on the cross has made me worthy but I still struggle to pray out loud. It is something that I need to work on.
Amen!