10.12.2009

Prayer

"I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time- waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God- it changes me."~ C.S. Lewis

It's hard to get to the point in life where you realize that you really can't help yourself. I still struggle with this - - I was born independent and will no doubt die independent. I want to do everything myself and I don't want help. But to make full use of the atonement of Jesus Christ, I have to humble myself and admit to Him that I can't do it alone. I do need His help.


And in the end, the very act of praying, humbling myself and recognizing the need I have for Him in my life literally changes me. For the better.

Thank goodness.

12 comments:

Carrie and Nathan said...

Love C.S. Lewis. Love you. Thanks for this message, you are always so very timely!

Jill said...

Amen, sister!

Mel said...

Always a great quote! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us!

hoLLy said...

beautiful quote and thoughts jan! i also love that picture-so simple and pure. i need to pray more. . .

Cammie said...

What a great quote. It's so true, and so simple...But very complex at the same time. I think I need some ponder time today!

jaacs said...

We are two peas from the same pod. I have a pretty strong independent streak in me, too. I loved the quote and your wise thoughts on this.

BTW - where do you find your fabulous quotes?

Ashley said...

The subject of prayer has been on my mind a lot lately. Thanks for your post!

Logan said...

Love that quote. Thanks for the reminder that I don't have to do it alone! Love you!

tara said...

woops. you've just called me to repentance jan. I needed it. thankyou:)

Mia said...

I love it when I am in that good place with my praying; sincere, meaningful, often.

Unknown said...

i liked the similar sentiment in gc from uctdorf about why the first commandment is to love God. not because he needs us to love him...but because WE need to love him. great thought.

jenjamin said...

I have had that very thought in my mind also lately. You can read about it on my BYT blog I have several posts along those same lines, read them if you are interested. I love CS Lewis. Thanks for sharing!