The Who of Prayer: You

O burning Mountain, O chosen Sun
      O perfect Moon, O fathomless Well,
O unattainable Height, O Clearness beyond measure,
      O Wisdom without end, O Mercy without limit,
O Strength beyond resistance, O Crown beyond all majesty:
      The humblest thing you created sings your praise.
                        -- Mechthild of Magdeburg (1210 - ca. 1285)

Often when we pray, we feel pitifully small compared to God. When we add our feelings of worthlessness and shame at our mistakes and sins, we feel smaller still. Deep down, we wonder if we should just keep quiet -- if we are just wasting God's time with our petty musings and concerns.

Sometimes we are full of ourselves when we pray too, and with righteous indignation we approach God and demand that we be heard. We have problems and we insist that God pay attention to them and work on solving them.

As in many things, our true identity lies somewhere in the middle: we are neither so small as to be God's afterthought nor so great as to be the center of God's universe. Then what are we? Perhaps it is good to remember that we are God's creation, wonderfully and fearfully made, loved by God and nurtured by God.

You are imperfect; indeed a sinner. You are also God's child, a beloved one. You need not shout to get God's attention, but God does expect you to speak up and to listen. You are unique in God's eyes and just like the rest of us. This is your identity; don't be ashamed of it. When you pray, be yourself.

Today's Prayer Prompt: Try to be open with God when you pray today, try to be yourself. Begin your prayer with Mechthild of Magdeburg's prayer.