The Unworthiness of Idols

 

The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold,

    shaped by human hands.

They have mouths but cannot speak,

    and eyes but cannot see.

They have ears but cannot hear,

    and noses but cannot smell.

And those who make idols are just like them,

    as are all who trust in them.

 

—Psalm 135:15-18 (NLT)

 

Heavenly Father,

 

Save me from worshiping anything or anyone but You.

 

Keep me from counting on anything made with human hands, as if those things could save me. Let me instead count on You, the One who created all there is by the power of Your Word.

 

Keep me from worshiping anything that cannot speak to me, anything that cannot reveal the Truth. Let me instead worship only You and listen to hear You speaking to me through Your Word and Your Spirit, in every moment of every day.

 

Keep me from looking to anything that cannot see and understand what I am going through. Let me instead look to You, the One who is personally and intimately acquainted with every trial I face.

 

Keep me from crying out to something that cannot hear or help. Let me instead cry out to You, the One who patiently and compassionately waits to hear my cry for help and is ready and able to supply all my needs.

 

Keep me from trusting in anything that cannot sniff out trouble coming my way. Let me instead trust You to smell the stench of evil coming and warn me by Your Spirit, so I can avoid the disaster of succumbing to its temptations.

 

Keep me from becoming like those things I am tempted to put in front of You—powerless and unable to speak, see, and hear the truth, and unable to smell trouble coming and avoid it. Let me instead be empowered by You to become more like Your Son, Jesus.

 

Keep me from merely making You first among the many objects of my worship. Let me instead worship You—and You alone.

 

Save me from worshiping anything or anyone but You.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.