Based on my notes on Philip Yancey’s book, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?
I am never 100% the real me around other people. I am afraid of being judged, so I hide my true thoughts and feelings. I do reveal more of myself to the people I trust. But even with close friends, I have secrets I’m too ashamed to share. I have hopes and fears I keep to myself.
Philip Yancey wrote that each of us has three selves. There’s the me I let others see, the me I share with the people I trust, and the me I never reveal to anyone.
I can’t hide any part of myself from God. He knows every corner of my mind and heart. When I am honest with God about my thoughts and feelings, I establish an intimate relationship with him. What do I have to lose? He already knows everything about me. He loves me just as I am.
How do I let down my defenses with God and establish an intimate relationship with him?
- I confess my sins. I come clean with God about my sins – sins of my body and of my heart. When I confess, I acknowledge the truth about where I stand relative to his holiness.
- I admit my helplessness. Although I try to be independent and self-reliant, the truth is I am not. I can’t do everything by myself. I can’t control everything. I am dependent on God for my safety and emotional well-being.
- I approach God with humility and gratefulness. God deserves the credit for my gifts and abilities. I have little control over who I am. I cannot take credit for my genetics, my personality, or for the circumstances of my birth.
- I admit my doubts. God understands. The Bible is full of stories of people who expressed doubts.
- I admit my vulnerabilities. God knows my weaknesses. He knows where it hurts.
- I expose myself fully to God. I bring my whole life into God’s presence. I trust God with all of me.
I know that I can approach God in prayer just as I am because God knows me inside and out. I can let down my usual defenses and be my true self.
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
Psalm 139:1-6
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Innermost Being 