As I was praying today, I became overwhelmed with a sense of awe. Not for the first time, I was struck by Who it was I was talking to and what an intense and incredible privilege it is to speak to my Creator. When we pray, we are talking directly to the God of the Universe. We are conversing with Jesus. Who are we that we should have such a privilege? I know what my life has been. I know what I deserve, what we all deserve.
I deserve to be cast out of His holy presence forever and to never have the privilege or right to come before Him. I am an unholy man before an all-holy God. But He looks beyond that. He sees me as His child, and because of the blood of Jesus, I am clean and blameless in His eyes. He invites me to sit at His table and speak with Him. Do you understand the enormity of this?
How often do we pray and take for granted what it is we are doing? Too often our prayers are quick shots up to Heaven in times of need, hoping He will once again bail us out of a tough spot. Even in our dedicated times of prayer, how often do we give any thought to who it is with whom we are speaking? I am ashamed and embarrassed at how often my mind wanders during prayer. How can I think of anything else when I am in His presence? What could possibly be more important in that moment than to be in complete and speechless adoration before my Lord? In these moments, it becomes painfully obvious how much I take for granted the privilege of speaking to my King.
This isn’t something we often do together on this site, but I ask you to pray along with me now:
Oh Father, forgive me for taking the privilege of speaking with You for granted. Jesus, thank you for all you have done on my behalf, for suffering and dying for my sin. I praise you for triumphing over death and providing a way of life for me as well. Forgive me for how often I have taken the opportunity to speak with you for granted. Forgive me for minimizing who You are and putting other things before You. Lord, I am in awe in Your presence. I shouldn’t be here. It is too overwhelming. I deserve nothing but to be thrown out of Your presence. I am a sinful man with unclean lips and an unclean heart. I do not understand Your love for me, but I am grateful. I am amazed. Let me never take for granted the privilege of being in Your presence. Lord thank you for loving me, for dying for me, for pursuing me, for calling me, and for rescuing me. I am Yours, Jesus. Use my life for Your glory. Help me see how small I am but how You are able to do great things for Your Kingdom through my weakness. Let me never forget who You are. Thank You for inviting me into Your presence and hearing my prayers. I am truly amazed at Your goodness. I have no words to describe being in Your presence. May I never forget where I am and to whom I am speaking. You are my God. You are my King. I love You, Lord. Thank You for loving me. In Your Holy Name I pray, Jesus. Amen.