The Criteria is Weariness

"When we slow down to pray, we are immediately confronted with how unspiritual we are, with how difficult it is to concentrate on God...Nothing exposes our selfishness and spiritual powerlessness like prayer."*  But this is okay.  We are called to come to God like little children, and little children never hesitate or try to hide their selfishness.  They come as they are.*

When I was learning to walk, my older brother would quickly notice I was getting the attention so found thought it would be a pertinent time to pracitce his football skills and throw me to the floor.  My parents didn't just roll their eyes because I couldn't handle his blow...no...they cheered when stood without the help of the table and would help remove the obstacle of my brother (after capturing it on film of course).  They were excited to see me take a step and fall, because that was who I was and that is what I could do.

God is the same way.  He gets exited when we come to him.  We may get thrown to the ground on the way or fall down after a few steps...but unsteady prayers is often what we have to offer, and that is okay.  Jesus doesn't say to come to him when we have prayer life figured out, he says "come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Mt 11:28).  "The Criteria for coming to Jesus is weariness.  Come overwhelmed with life.  Come with your wondering mind.  Come messy."*  But please...COME!  

*From "A Praying Life" by Paul E. Miller