Preparing Our Hearts to Seek God: Insights from a Puritan Prayer
PREPARE ME TO SEEK YOU
O Lord, teach me to pray, that I may call upon your name. Prepare my heart to seek, and open your ears mercifully to hear me.
Almighty and eternal Lord God, you are the Creator and Continual Preserver of all things, both in heaven and earth. By your gracious providence I was at first fearfully and wonderfully made, and even now you keep me and preserve me.
I am the workmanship of your hands, and I desire to humble both soul and body before your heavenly majesty.
So here in your presence, Lord, I confess my own unworthiness to come before you, to call upon you, or to perform the least duty that will concern your worship and glory.
Because my heart is polluted and unclean, I beg you to be gracious to me for Jesus Christ your Son’s sake. For the sake of his promise, truth, and mercy, have mercy upon me.
Pardon and forgive all the sins, iniquities, and trespasses I have ever committed against you, in what I have said or what I have done. Amen.
—Robert Parker
Parker, Robert. “Prepare Me to Seek You.” Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans, edited by Robert Elmer, Lexham Press, 2019, p. 16.Centuries ago, when a Puritan named Robert Parker wrote this heartfelt prayer about approaching God, he gave us a glimpse into an amazing truth: God eagerly awaits our prayers. Yes, Parker acknowledges our need for God's help in prayer, but here's the wonderful news – God already knows this, and He loves providing that help! As Romans 8:26 reminds us, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us."
Three Reminders from Parker's Prayer:
We Need God's Help to Pray
Parker starts by asking God to "teach me to pray." This humble beginning reminds us of the disciples who asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). Prayer isn't just about speaking – it's about learning to communicate with our Creator.
We Are God's Handiwork
"I am the workmanship of your hands," Parker writes, echoing Psalm 139:14: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." This recognition of God as Creator helps us approach Him with the right perspective – as children coming to their Father.
Our Hearts Need Cleansing
Parker acknowledges his "polluted and unclean" heart, but doesn't stop there. He points to Jesus as the solution, reminding us of 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Three Encouraging Truths
Jesus Makes Us Welcome
While Parker speaks of being unworthy, remember – Christ has already made you worthy! "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:19,22). You're not just allowed to approach God; you're warmly invited!
We Are God's Beloved Creation
"I am the workmanship of your hands," Parker writes. Let this sink in – you're not just made by God; you're crafted with love and purpose. Psalm 139:14 declares we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." Each prayer is a child of God speaking to their Father who knows them intimately and loves them completely.
Grace Leads the Way
Yes, our hearts need cleansing, but here's the joy – Jesus has already provided it! "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7). Every time we pray, we're covered in Christ's righteousness.
Growing in Prayer
Think of these steps as getting to know a dear friend better:
1. Start Where You Are
Be yourself – God already knows and loves you
Share what's on your heart, just as you would with a close friend
Remember, there are no "perfect" prayers – just honest conversations
2. Let the Relationship Grow
Like any friendship, prayer becomes more natural with time
Share your joys, fears, hopes, and even your doubts
Listen for God's voice in Scripture and in your heart
3. Rest in God's Love
Know that God delights in time with you
Trust that the Holy Spirit helps you pray
Celebrate that Christ has made you welcome
Practical Ways to Grow Closer
Create Sacred Spaces
Find a quiet corner in your home or a peaceful spot outdoors where you can meet with God regularly. Just as Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), having a special meeting place can help make prayer time more meaningful and consistent.
Pray the Psalms
The Psalms are filled with every human emotion - joy, fear, gratitude, anger, wonder, and praise. When you're not sure how to express your heart, let these God-inspired words guide you. As you read, make the psalmists' prayers your own.
Share Throughout Your Day
Practice ongoing conversation with God through "arrow prayers" - brief, spontaneous moments of connection. When you see something beautiful, whisper thanks. When you face a challenge, ask for help. When you're blessed, share your joy. As Paul encourages, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Use the LORD's Prayer as a Guide
Jesus gave us this prayer not just to recite, but as a pattern for prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Use each line as a launching point for your own prayers:
"Our Father in heaven" - Remember your relationship with Him
"Hallowed be your name" - Express worship and praise
"Your kingdom come" - Pray for God's work in the world
"Give us this day" - Share your needs and concerns
"Forgive us" - Confess and receive grace
"Lead us not into temptation" - Ask for protection and guidance
A Final Thought
Here's something amazing to remember: God isn't just willing to hear your prayers – He's eagerly waiting for them! "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). Every prayer, whether eloquent or simple, is precious to Him because it's from you.
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3:1)
Today, why not take a moment to simply talk with your heavenly Father? No special words needed – just bring your heart to the One who already loves you more than you can imagine. Remember, the goal isn't perfect prayers but honest communion with God.
What will you share with your loving Father today?
