Every Prayer Counts

All those the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away. (JOHN 6:37 NIV)

Perfectionism pollutes our perception of our time with God. The enemy loves to twist our view of our quiet time with God, putting it on trial and accusing us of not being “good enough.” As a result, we pick ourselves apart… evaluating our prayer performance… criticizing ourselves for having wandering thoughts or less than impressive prayers… We judge the amount of time we spent, how we felt, and our inability to feel the presence of God. Ultimately, we put our spiritual intimacy on trial in the recesses of our minds. Our beliefs about our worthiness and readiness slowly become wounded with worry and infected with a deadly strand of self-doubt. The worst is when we doubt and judge our standing with the Father. But God says no more! He never looks down upon us, and He doesn’t grade us on our prayers! With God, nothing is wasted – no moment of thanksgiving, no moment of praise. No moment of worship or communication with God is insignificant, not even a simple “Hello,” “Thank You,” or “I love You.” When God calls us to deeper and higher levels of communion, he does not use condemnation. He uses invitation and affirmation. God wants us to see us as He sees us, which is wanted and wonderful. Moments of stillness and fellowship give us a truer picture of ourselves. God will never drive you away. As He makes clear in Jeremiah 31:3 NIV, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” He wants you to come as you are and to come constantly. It’s His favorite part of being your Father.

How have you been judgmental of your prayer time with God?

Pray:

Lord, I thank You that every prayer I pray is heard. Further my desire for deep communion with You. Amen.

This is an excerpt from 100 Days of Believing Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels - a devotional book now available from DaySpring publishing. Learn more about this book, or shop other books & devotionals from DaySpring.