A Prayer About Righteous Requirements

A prayer about Righteous Requirements - Pleasing God

ETERNAL JUDGE,

Although I know I have been saved by grace through faith alone, I continue to labor under the weight of “shoulds” and “ought tos,” thinking that spiritual exercises or good works will enhance my relationship with you. I find myself going to worship because you want me to, not because I love being in your house and with your people. I put money in the offering plate and checks in the mail out of religious habit, not love and compassion. And prayer, reading the Word, and going to church have also become routine obligations. I am similar to the people to whom you were speaking through Micah. Forgive me for those unholy motives and for just going through the motions. Change my heart, Lord. I know you are God—in charge and holy—not me. I submit humbly to your loving control. Make me into someone who loves to act with mercy toward everyone and who naturally makes the right choices. I know you just want me, fully, not my empty words and works. I’m yours.

What can we bring to the LORD? Should we bring him burnt offerings? . . . This is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:6, 8