6 Devotionals on What Our Prayers Are to Include #5: Openness
Honest to God
According to Herbert Lockyer’s classic book, All the Prayers of the Bible, “the Bible records no fewer than 650 definite prayers of which no less than 450 have recorded answers” (Page 5). He also writes, “What is prayer? Simplified, is it not the desire, opportunity and privilege of talking with God?” (Page 17). To answer Lockyer’s rhetorical question: “Yes.”
When I go shopping to pick up a few things for my wife, I write a detailed list of what she needs. I’ve learned my lesson from buying too many things that were not quite right — wrong size, wrong quantity, wrong flavor, wrong brand. I need to know specifically that it’s two of the small 8-oz. containers of sour cream in the red containers not the large 16-oz. containers with the blue lettering and not the store brand with the “sell by” date of May 3, 1982 but the freshly-stocked ones in the back of the row in the dairy section. Men, stop laughing; you know what I’m talking about.
One of the great prayer verses in the Bible is James 4:2: “[Y]e have not, because ye ask not” (KJV). It can apply to interpersonal relationships as well as prayer. Many conflicts and disappointments can be avoided by simply asking for what you want. But it helps to be specific.
Have you ever been in a prayer meeting where the prayers went something like this? “God bless the missionaries.” “Lord help Sister Mary.” “Jesus have mercy.” True, in times of distress, our prayers may not be the most eloquent, and it can be hard to think about what we say. But normally, it is good to think through what you want to ask and be specific.
In Mark Chapter 10, Jesus responded to two requests: one from his disciples (“Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you” [V. 35]) and one from a blind stranger (“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” [V. 47]). The Omniscient One gave the same reply in both cases: “What do you want me to do for you?” He wanted them to be specific and open with Him. This caused them to think about what they were asking. In James’ and John’s case, they were warned of the price to pay and the uncertainty of their request, which was solely up to God’s discretion. In the case of the healed blind man, he received his sight, learning it was because of his faith.
God already knows your thoughts and desires and words before you speak them: “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether” (Psalm 139:4). He wants us to speak openly with Him in honest fellowship. He wants to hear you talk to Him.
Never fear; God can handle your joys, sorrows, praise, doubts, fears, anger, bitterness — anything your heart contains can be borne by His infinite shoulders. If in doubt, read the psalms!
When asking forgiveness, it is helpful to be detailed in your confessions. People like Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah spent hours confessing their sins and the sins of others. There is no point in hiding anything if God already knows about it. Openness shows your understanding of the severity of sin, and He stands ready to forgive!
God does not need details about how to do something, nor does He need our step-by-step instructions. That is all better left to the One Whose ways are past our understanding. But if we are not open and detailed with our prayers, how will we know when they are answered? Plus, sometimes talking through something will help clarify the situation and perhaps bring answers to mind. Honest to God!
Alan Allegra