Bent knees, wet eyes and a broken heart

Stephen f. Olford was an incredibly influential Christian leader in the 20th century. He was once asked what was the secret of Christian leadership? Olford responded by saying, "Bent knees, wet eyes and a broken heart". Its my desire this year that the Lord would break me and break the hearts of his church. We need to be daily on our knees before God seeking out what his heart is for our city and for our nation. To be so moved by the brokenness of the people here that it moves us to tears. Jesus wept over the state of Jerusalem because of his deep love for her. When was the last time I was so moved that I was not just brought to tears, but really wept? Have I ever really wept? Can I honestly say my heart breaks for this city? When the prophets interceded on behalf of the people of jerusalem they didn't just pray for the people to come to repentance but they aligned themselves fully with the people and saw that they also needed to repent. Paul when writing to Timothy said "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of which I am the worst". Do I look with pity on those who are stuck in sin and don't know Christ or do I have the attitude of Paul where I see myself no better than those around me and just as much in need of Gods grace and forgiveness. When I pray for the lost I don't want to be praying out of pity, but out of passion and compassion always aware of my need for forgiveness and Gods abounding grace. God is doing a great work in our city and we can only be effective in our calling if we approach God, on bent knees, with wet eyes and a broken heart.