Sincerely Insincere Constructs of Prayer
Perhaps one of the greatest hindrances in prayer is our insincerity. Too much forcing ourselves into our construct of prayer, our envisioned framework of emotion and humility, than actually praying. Perhaps we try too hard sometimes to “get in the mood”.
If I am not feeling broken, should I be trying to conjure up those feelings of brokenness so I can humbly submit to God? Can I and shall I not simply and plainly and willfully speak my prayer of submission?
If I have sinned and now try to feel shameful and repentant — is it not but an act? If real — only real in part. For my shame and repentance is not now but had come immediately after the sin. It did not take me a day to realize and return in prayer. Had not God already seen my heart then? Perhaps Satan’s just deceiving me to feel I owe it to God to feel shameful and useless now, once more. Shall I not now simply rise and walk forward, and try to appreciate Christ more as I live my days ahead?
Prayer must not be forced into our canned conceptualizations. Prayer must be real: in truth and in spirit.
Father God, teach me to pray.