I loved
Malcom’s prayer the other day. Only 7 years old, he stood in front of 100 other
kids and prayed: “Jesus, thank You that some of us get to play football and go
to church, and for safety on the ride here, and for forgiveness of our sins,
and for eternal life. We love You, Jesus. Please don’t ever forget how much we
love You!”
It
brought tears to my eyes as he expressed his heart to God. As adults, we may
tend to try to polish our prayers a little, thinking that it will sound better
to God’s ears or to those around us who might hear us. But I think God must
delight in hearing just what’s on His child’s heart.
Nehemiah’s
heart was filled with concern for the welfare of Jerusalem, his homeland, when
he heard that the people were in great distress and that the wall around the
city was broken down (Neh. 1:3). Wanting to do something, he talked to God
about it. He praised God for who He is (v.5), requested forgiveness for sin
(v.6), reminded Him of His promise (v.9), and asked for mercy from the king
(v.11). God watched over Nehemiah and His people through the whole rebuilding
process.
What is
on your mind? Thanks or burdens? Whatever it is, your loving God wants to hear
your heart.
The
highest form of prayer comes from the depths of a humble heart. (RBC)
