A Prayer About Weakness

When I think about my shortcomings

HEAVENLY FATHER,

I am concerned about the image I project. I want people to think I am confident, gifted, and strong, that I have my act together. Certainly I have weaknesses and faults, but I hide them pretty well. Rather than letting many people see the real me, I try to reveal only my strengths and make good use of them. Yet the apostle Paul says that you were glorified through his weakness. Paul did not ask or want to be weak; in fact, he asked you three times to remove his “thorn.” But you told him that your grace was all he needed and that your power “works best in weakness.” After that, he was very open about his limitations and issues. To be honest, I’m not sure how to pray, Lord. I definitely desire your power to work through me, but does this require asking for problems, persecutions, and other difficulties? Yet if that’s what it takes, then make me weak so you can work through me. I want to be your strong-weak person. Use me.

[God] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10