Ezra was overwhelmed when God's people once again occupied the Holy City. In an act of self-abasement, the prophet tore his clothes, pulled hair from his head and beard and sat down in dejection over the sin of the people. His action was not a display, but in response to the wrong perpetrated by God's people.

Prayer should be like Ezra's action in one way. When we pray, we should be fully aware of our sins that have separated us from God's presence. This is a normal reaction to approaching God. When Ezra did it, he sat down for a day until the time of sacrifice, a time that might be equated to out time of worship in God's house. Then, he got up from his humble position and promptly fell again, but this time to his knees where he spread his hands to heaven and prayed.

The fact Ezra got up and then went to his knees implies his abasement found him flat on his face in the dirt before God. The picture is one where anyone approaching God should do so humbly without petition until we recognize we are undeserving of God's grace. Dirty and in torn clothing with a repentant heart, Ezra was ready to pray, but not before.

Have you prayed this morning? Did you spend time properly letting God know how undeserving you are of his grace before giving him your needs list? I'm not trying to be legalistic in defining proper prayer, but too many times we Christians act like we have a lifetime pass for grace without any obligation to recognize our sinful state.

I don't recommend tearing your clothes and pouring dirt on your head, but if it helps go ahead. It's not necessarily how you act that matters to God, but rather the attitude you demonstrate. Are you humble? Do you spend substantive time in God's presence or just give him a few seconds before eating a meal? Do you spend time in God's word and regularly ask God to lead you every step of the day?

If you learn one thing from today's devotion, I pray it is the fact that we need to be honest with God and non-assuming in our approach. The amount of time we spend with Him in prayer demonstrates our love for Him, but the way we pray will demonstrate how well we know Him.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Er. 8:21-9:15 1 Co. 5:1-13 Ps. 31:1-8 Pr. 21:1-2 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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