Midweek Morsel: The Prayer of an Imperfect Vessel

6013255406_1b697baa36_z“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

Do you ever feel unworthy to be used by God? I feel like this quite often—when I mess up and sin, when I see areas of my life that aren’t all God designed them to be, or when I struggle with my thoughts, attitudes, or emotions. At times like these I wonder how can God use me?

The good news is that God uses imperfect vessels. He created us. He knows we will sin and fall short of his very best desires for us (Romans 3:23). But he loves us, forgives us, cleanses us, and then uses us for his purposes and glory (John 3:16, 1 John 1:9, 2 Corinthians 4:7, and 1 Peter 4:10).

So for all of us imperfect vessels out there, here’s a simple prayer we can freely pray. Hope it helps express your heart, too!

Father, thank you for loving me. Thank you for using me even though I’m not perfect. Protect me from the evil one, the one who wants me to feel too unworthy to serve you. Help me be ever ready to do whatever you want me to do. Yes, Lord, use me in spite of my failures and sin. Shine through me in spite of me. I will indeed give you all the glory, and I will remember that I am loved!

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

*What else can we do to battle feelings of unworthiness?

*The new issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out earlier this month. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by avrenim_acceber, Creative Commons License

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