Teach Us to Prayනියැදිය

UNDESERVED FAVOR

Growing up in a secular home, I didn’t know anything about God. But as a family, we would participate in Lent. We would sacrifice our favorite things. I usually gave up sweets. One year, as a family, we gave up TV for the entire Lenten season. Another time, my sister didn't want to eat lobster at a fancy restaurant my grandfather had taken us to, so she told us that she had given up lobster for Lent and just wanted a hamburger. I never really understood why we were fasting, but I loved the challenge, and like fun and games, I wanted to win.

Searching for God... I expected to find a god who was all about sin, fire, hell, and brimstone. But that was not my experience. I started participating in a small group, asking many questions, and attending a small church. My pastor talked about a God who loved me. My roommate spoke to me about God’s forgiveness. I felt so unworthy and so undeserving of His love.

After becoming a Christ follower, I realized that God wasn't as interested in my sacrifices as he was in having a relationship with me. He wanted my heart. I had no idea.

I now fast and pray to glorify and worship God, be humble before him, and go to him with my struggles, failures, and needs.

Today, begin your fasting by focusing on God and worshipping Him. Let your prayers be humble as you open your heart and share your requests with him.

Author, Writer, and Pastor Levi Lusko says it so well: "You are not defined by your failures or pain but by his forgiveness.”

- Gail Brown