These prayers ask for that kind of honesty, and for the courage to tell the truth when it costs something.
Historical Context
When Jesus first met Nathanael he said, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” It is the only time in the Gospels Jesus describes someone by their honesty. Nathanael is usually identified with the apostle Bartholomew, whose feast is 24 August.
A Prayer for Honesty
Lord, you want truth in the inward parts.
Make me honest with myself first.
Then give me the courage to tell the truth to others,
even when a small lie would be easier.
Let my yes mean yes and my no mean no.
Let people be able to trust what I say.
Amen.
For Honesty at Work
Lord, keep me honest in my work today:
in what I charge, what I report and what I promise.
Let me admit my mistakes before someone else finds them.
Make me a person whose word is good.
Amen.
For Honesty in a Relationship
Lord, there are things we haven’t said to each other.
Give us the courage to be honest and the gentleness to be kind about it.
Let the truth bring us closer, not drive us apart.
Amen.
For a Child Who Lies
Lord, my child has been lying, and I’m worried.
Help them feel safe enough to tell the truth.
Help me react in a way that makes honesty easier next time, not harder.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- Before a conversation where you’ll be tempted to shade the truth.
- Before confession, or as part of an examination of conscience.
- When you’ve lied and need to put it right.
- On 24 August, the feast of St Bartholomew.
Scripture Connection
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” — Psalm 51:6
David asks to be made honest from the inside out. Outward honesty without inward honesty turns into performance; the psalm asks for the real thing.
Related prayers
For the apostle without guile, see the Saint Bartholomew Prayer. On the same theme, the Integrity Prayer and the Honest Prayer.