In Golden Bowls

Do you ever pray puny prayers? I do.

Compared to David’s beautiful Psalms, my prayers aren’t very eloquent. Jesus’ heartfelt prayer for his disciples in John 17 is a masterpiece; by comparison, my prayers are usually short and unartful. James insisted that a believer’s prayers are powerful and effective, “availing much,” but most of mine seem puny and feeble. At times all I can manage are simple phrases like “Help me, Lord.” “Forgive me.” “Give me wisdom.”

On the journey of prayer, many roadblocks and potholes get in the way.

Identifying the Obstacles

We are too busy. Does your packed schedule leave room for quiet time with the Lord?

We are easily distracted. When you talk with God, does your mind wander and your body feel restless? Do you find it easier to scroll mindlessly through social media than to talk with the Lord? Why not just ask AI for help? Chatbots are available 24/7. They can answer questions about almost any subject, and they don’t judge you, demand anything, or even disagree with you. Yet, you can’t have a covenant relationship with an algorithm. Chatbots have no empathy. Artificial Intelligence will never replace the wisdom of God.

At times, though, it seems unnatural to talk with a Being who can’t be seen or touched. Some individuals view prayer as a religious ritual—an obligation, not a relationship—a duty, not a delight. Others feel nervous and unworthy to approach God, or they fear using the wrong words.

Satan tries to keep us from praying. Doubts bombard our faith. Recalling past prayers that weren’t answered to our satisfaction, we’re tempted to question whether talking with God is worth the effort.

The biggest obstacle is our sin and self-sufficiency. We tend to be self-centered and rebellious, relying on our own strength instead of seeking God’s help.

A Different Perspective

And yet … we don’t have to be brilliant wordsmiths to communicate with God. Scripture invites us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8, New International Version). We can “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence”—but not because we are so eloquent and capable. Christ our high priest and intercessor paved the way “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

The Lord doesn’t despise a broken, contrite heart. He welcomes short, sincere prayers like “Create in me a pure heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10, 17) or “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Martin Luther said, “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance. It is laying hold of his willingness.”

Jesus himself prayed short prayers like “Father, glorify your name” (John 12:28). He cautioned against praying long, showy prayers to impress others (Matthew 6:5-8; Luke 20:47). He compared the heavenly Father to a wise, gracious parent who gives good gifts to his children (Matthew 7:9-11). When my son, daughters, and grandkids call or text me, my first response isn’t to critique their grammar.

Since the goal is to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), prayer should be an ongoing, authentic, moment-by-moment conversation with the Lord interwoven throughout the day and night.

If you struggle to talk with God, notice how prayer is described in Revelation 5:8. In that verse, John’s glimpse of heavenly glory includes “golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” Apparently God treasures our prayers—including the long and short ones, the eloquent, awkward, and poorly-worded ones. Even our puny prayers are so precious to God that he keeps them in golden bowls.

Author: David Faust

David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.