Perhaps you’ve heard of ‘a baker’s dozen’? This is generally accepted to mean thirteen. This expression can be used to advertise a sale (get 13 items for the price of 12). A generous vendor may include a 13th doughnut in the order for a dozen from a regular customer. A shopper may ask for a baker’s dozen hoping to get a little extra included with their purchase.
So, what does a baker’s dozen have to do with being a Christian? Consider the following.
- Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Recognizing that God is completely righteous, and that in our humanity we are spiritually bankrupt, is an essential part of turning to Him for salvation. As beggars, drowning in our sin, we see the need for Him to forgive us.
- Luke 18:13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’
- Amazed by His glory, power, and perfection, we surrender all that we are to Him. Knowing we don’t deserve His love and blessings, we beg for His mercy.
- Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.
- Sins forgiven and saved from His wrath, through Jesus we have the promise of eternity in heaven with Him. Now we long for His presence; we beg Him to help us live a life worthy of who He is and what He has done for us!
We Are All Beggars!
Yes, as followers of Jesus Christ we are fully reconciled to Father God – now we are His children. Yes, the righteousness of Jesus Christ has been credited to us. And yes, we should and can confidently approach His throne of grace with our praises and prayers. Yet we still appeal, plead and sometimes even beg Him to guide us, empower us and help us grow into the person that Jesus Christ died for us to become.
Why don’t we offer up a little extra to God? Instead of a dozen prayers, let’s make it 13. Let’s come to Him with ‘a beggar’s dozen’ of prayers asking for His sanctifying work to be done in our lives.
1. When I am proud, make me humble.
2. When I rebel, help me to be submissive.
3. When I doubt, increase my faith.
4. When I am afraid, give me assurance.
5. When I worry, grant me Your peace.
6. When I complain, help me to be appreciative.
7. When I am selfish, teach me to be selfless.
8. When I am lazy, teach me obedience.
9. When I criticize, help me to encourage.
10. When I am discouraged, help me find Your joy.
11. When I am weak, give me Your strength.
12. When I wrong, help me to admit it.
13. When I hate, help me to love like You do.
I will be praying these prayers often – will you join me?
Prayer
Father, please hear and answer our prayers to be more like You. Give us victory over the sins and shortcomings that plague us. Fortify us against the weakness of our flesh, the evil influence of the world, and the devious attacks of Satan. We love You and praise You and pray to You in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
