A Prayer About My Plank-Filled Eye

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3).

Heavenly Father, when I rubbed my irritated eyes this morning, I soon realized it was not a speck of dust but a rough-hewn board stuck there. I didn’t realize it till now, but I went to bed last night having made myself the chief prosecuting attorney in the supreme court – the judge and jury and executioner. Just because I don’t throw things or scream and yell doesn’t mean I’m not a critical person. Condescending smugness is just a synonym for “clanging symbols” (1Corinthians 13:1).

Have mercy on me, Lord Jesus. You are so forbearing, kind and gracious. Have mercy on me, the self-righteous sinner.

(Scotty Smith)