I would give anything for the title of this entry to be a mere spelling error, and the dispositions of my heart to be corrected at the stroke of a key.
Let me share with you a quote from the book "Gospel Remission" by Jeremiah Burroughs that has sparked a deep fire of conviction in my heart, and opened my eyes to my prating in place of praying:
"'Tis not prayer to mumble over a few words. This is to prate and not to pray."
So often my prayers of forgiveness are just mindless babble. The gravity of what I've done, the great work of God that He has done to make forgiveness possible, and the amazing grace He exercises in allowing me to participate in the results of His saving work, are, for the most part, barely discernible apparitions of truth in my heart. I know I need to ask for forgiveness, so I do, with about as much passion and reverence as I exude eating a ham sandwich.
How pathetic can I be? My prating increases my sin before God. So very often this heart needs to be reminded how to pray, reminded of the magnitude of my sin, and reminded of His infinite holiness. For these very things I am forever indebted to the godly examples we have in Scripture. David was a man after God's own heart, who sinned greatly, and repented greatly. The very next chance you get, read Psalm 51. This is a psalm of repentance, written by David after his sin with Bathsheba. Let God teach you by example how to pray, and put an end to your prate.
Scott, you are inspirational! Will you please move here? Reed needs a new roommate in June... Haha
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness, thank you for posting things so close to your heart. You are a man of God and I am blessed by your friendship! I am praying for you but know that God is using you so much right where He has you.