I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant.
Genesis 32:10, NIV
Consider the prayer of Jacob: He had left his home shortly after deceiving his father, Isaac, in order to get the blessing that Isaac had intended to give to Jacob's brother Esau. Earlier in their lives, Jacob had "negotiated" his brother's birthright away from him as well. What's the big deal of a blessing? Well, in this case it meant that Isaac was asking God to place one brother over another - in strength, in prominence, and in authority. What's the big deal of a birthright? Well, in this case it meant that Jacob got twice the inheritance from their father Isaac, and Isaac was a very wealthy man.
So now, thief and deceiver that he had been towards his brother, Jacob was coming back home to face him for the first time in over twenty years. And he was scared to death!
So Jacob prayed!
It is interesting to see how he begins that prayer. Instead of getting right to the point - "Save me", he begins as we all should begin, "I am unworthy". Then, and only then, Jacob asks God for His help - and God does help! In fact as you read through the unfolding of the events, you will see that this meeting that Jacob was so afraid of actually turned out to be a beautiful reunion of brothers who were once at enmity with one another.
What kind of help do you need in your life? What things are you most afraid of? Do you not think that Jacob's prayer is the pattern that you need for approaching God? The fact is that when we humble ourselves before our Maker and sincerely acknowledge that we do not deserve His kindness and faithfulness, it puts us in the proper frame of mind and lays the proper foundation for any requests that we may have.
It is true that none of us deserve the steadfast love and kindness of God - but we have it! It is also true that none of us deserve to the privilege of going before the Creator and asking Him for anything - but we have that as well. Since we do have this wonderful opportunity to ask the One being who not only has the right solution to every problem, but also has the ability to implement that solution, why not go to Him and humbly ask for the desires of your heart?
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.
James 1:5, RSV
Today is day 8 of the 120 day challenge to study through the Old Testament, with Genesis 29-32 being the text for today. May God richly bless you as you humbly seek His help in every aspect of your life!