For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mothers womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Did you know God already knows your sins, pains, and struggles? In other words, you are not going to surprise Him or catch Him off guard. He already knows. Why then does it seem like so many of us need to hide our deepest emotions and temptations in personal, private prayer?

If you are struggling, facing challenges, fighting temptation, frustrated, weary, and anxious it is always the best policy to just open up to God. It is freeing to live in the place where the psalmist lives, because nothing in our life is going to catch God off guard, and no matter what you are facing, His love for you is the same. Talk to God, no matter what. He can handle it, and will receive it with mercy and love.

It is this kind of open and honest conversation with God that leads us into deep spiritual self-reflection through the empowerment of His Holy Spirit. Its in these kinds of prayers that the Holy Spirit often leads us to the wonderful confession, realization, and plea of the concluding verses of Psalm 139:23-24, Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

In some translations this word anxious is included in verse 23 and is translated to say, know my anxious thoughts. It is here God will meet us in prayer. I often find in this meeting, God asking me a simple yet profound question. Why? Why are your thoughts so anxious?

Im reminded that it is because of me and my sinful nature, not God or my circumstances. He meets me there in my doubt, in my fear, and in my anxiety. Lovingly, He is reminding me of the hope I am given by Him, the council I find in Him, and despite my many failures and sins, the forgiveness I have in Him.

This process of open, honest prayer leads us to great peace, and your burdens will become lighter because you will remember you do not carry them alone.

Brandon Zoll is pastor of the Church of God of Exeter. He may be reached by calling 559-592-2631.

Prays Together is a rotating column between the pastors of the First Presbyterian Church of Exeter, Church of Christ of Exeter, Nazarene Church of Exeter, Church of God of Exeter, the New Life Assembly of God and Rocky Hill Community Church as well as the Lemon Cove Presbyterian Church.

This column is not a news article but the opinion of the writer and does not reflect the views of The Sun-Gazette newspaper.

Original post:
Prays Together: Honesty in Prayer - Foothills Sun Gazette