Come As You Are
To pray well I must first find out where I am. Self-knowledge is never procured cheaply. To pray well I need to face up to realities about myself, that I would prefer to ignore: my anxieties, fears, private griefs, failures, lovelessness, my utter lack of resources. To accept the truth about what I am, as also the truth about other human beings, demands courage. If I do not pray well, it is usually because I lack that kind of courage.
—Michael Casey,
Toward God
Psalm 139:1-2 reminds us that God knows us intimately—He searches our hearts and understands our every thought before we even speak a word. This truth can be both comforting and humbling. We don’t have to strive to explain ourselves to God or fear being misunderstood. He knows our struggles, joys, and worries, and He loves us completely. God invites us to rest in the assurance that He sees us fully and still calls us His own. Matthew 6:8 further reassures us that our heavenly Father knows what we need before we even ask. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pray, but rather that we can approach God with trust instead of anxiety. Prayer is not about informing God of our needs but about deepening our relationship with Him. Knowing that He already understands our hearts allows us to pray with faith, gratitude, and surrender. As Hebrews 4:16 says, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Today, take comfort in the fact that you are fully known and fully loved by your Creator. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics