Jesus said, “I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:14

 

Do you know what’s required for prayer? Not big words. Not perfection. Not a church, temple or chapel.  It’s honesty.

If we asked about every person’s faith story, we’d hear millions of unique accounts. But faith journeys start with honest conversation with God. Dalia remembers asking God for help while living on the streets. Joshua cried out to God on a bathroom floor the day his wife demanded a divorce. Nadia said her first prayer on a bus after getting fired, as she contemplated how to feed her two children. 

We meet God by coming to Him just as we are. We don’t need to dress up to look like better people or conceal our fears, anger, or doubts. Eloquent words or long speeches don’t impress the God of the universe. In fact, He says explicitly in the Bible that He doesn’t take pleasure in fake performances (Matthew 6:7; Psalm 51:16-17). 

God asks for authenticity. And what’s more authentic than knowing our need for God and bringing it to Him? Jesus once told His disciples a story about a deeply religious leader and a dishonest man.  The first tried to impress God with his fasting and giving, saying, “‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people–cheaters, sinners, adulterers.” But the man known for his dishonesty simply prayed, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.” Jesus said that this “sinner,” not the religious man, returned home justified before God (Luke 18:9-14).

God promises to answer the cry of those who aren’t relying on self-righteousness to impress God or others, but instead cry out with sincere longing. Don’t underestimate your honest prayers.