Christian Quote by Paul Miller
““We know that to become a Christian we shouldn’t try to fix ourselves up, but when it comes to praying we completely forget that. We’ll sing the old gospel hymn, “Just as I Am,” but when it comes to praying, we don’t come just as we are. We try, like adults, to fix ourselves up. Private, personal prayer is one of the last great bastions of legalism. In order to pray like a child, you might need to unlearn the nonpersonal, nonreal praying that you’ve been taught.””
About This Quote
The quote argues that prayer should be approached with childlike honesty, not with rehearsed, self‑improving rituals that feel legalistic.
In simple terms: Prayer should be sincere, not polished.
Key Takeaway
Pray authentically, shedding pretenses.
Themes
faith
prayer
authenticity
spirituality
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
spiritual
advice
When to use this quote
- personal worship
- spiritual retreats
- quiet reflection
- church services
Key Concepts
legalism
childlike faith
unlearning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice prayer without self‑editing?
- What does praying “as you are” feel like?
A Different Perspective
It may be hard to abandon ingrained habits of formal prayer.
