Prayer for Sincerity

           I was reading some thoughts by Chuck Swindoll in my devotional time the other day and was reminded of this prayer that Joseph Bayly penned back in 1969.  I thought you might enjoy it's challenge too.

“Lord of reality, make me real, not plastic, synthetic—pretend—phony; an actor playing out his part—hypocrite.
I don’t want to keep a prayer list, but to pray; nor to agonize to find your will, but to obey what I already know; to argue theories of inspiration, but to submit to your Word.
I don’t want to think another needs me, but I need him else I’m not complete.  I don’t want to tell others how to do it, but to do it; to have to always be right, but to admit when I’m wrong.
I don’t want to be a census taker, but an obstetrician; nor an involved person—a professional, but a friend.  I don’t want to be insensitive, but to hurt where other people hurt; nor to say I know how you feel, but to say God knows, and I’ll try if you’ll be patient with me, and meanwhile, I’ll be quiet.
I don’t want to scorn the clichés of others, but to mean everything I say…including this.”

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