I've been taught how to talk to You
Hold it together
Make the bad look better
Say all the words that I'm supposed to
Bow my head say amen, yeah that'll do
Making every dead-end look like Heaven
Like being okay is the way to reach You
But You're not afraid of all the things I feel
So why am I afraid of being real
You want my tears Every messy word
Every scar and every fear
You want all I have With no holding back
When I'm hurt
At my worst You meet me there
‘Cause You see the beauty
In my broken prayers
In my broken prayers
You don't care if it ain't poetry
‘Cause all of my edges
They're a little rough
But that's all I got to bring
‘Cause You're not afraid of all the things I feel
Don't have to hide the scars that still aren't healed
Mascara running down my face
Desperate cry in a dark place
You take me that way
All of me
You want my tears Every messy word
Every scar and every fear
You want all I have With no holding back
When I'm hurt
At my worst You meet me there
‘Cause You see the beauty
my broken prayers
my broken prayers
My broken prayers
Broken Prayers
Broken Prayers Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released with a music video on December 8, 2017, Riley Clemmons' song "Broken Prayers" quickly resonated with listeners through its raw honesty and vulnerability. The song delves into the contrast between presenting a polished, put-together version of oneself in prayer and bringing one's true, often messy, self before God. It challenges the notion that faith requires a perfect facade or speaking in prescribed ways, suggesting that trying to "make the bad look better" or say only the "words I'm supposed to" creates distance rather than connection.
The core meaning of the song revolves around the liberating truth that God desires authenticity over performance. Instead of requiring eloquence or perfection, the lyrics express that God welcomes "every messy word," "every tear," and "every scar and every fear." The song paints a picture of meeting God precisely in moments of weakness and hurt, highlighting the divine acceptance found even "at my worst." It beautifully articulates the idea that there is a unique "beauty" recognized by God in these unguarded, "broken prayers" offered from a place of vulnerability.
"Broken Prayers" carries a powerful inspirational message, encouraging listeners to abandon the pretense of perfection in their spiritual lives. It affirms that genuine connection with God comes from being real, even when feeling incomplete or flawed. The song is a comforting reminder that one does not need to hide their struggles, their pain, or their true feelings, as these are not barriers to God's presence but rather points of connection where He is ready to meet them. It speaks to the freedom found in knowing that "all I have" is exactly what is wanted, "with no holding back."
The themes explored in "Broken Prayers" align closely with various biblical principles. Scripture often speaks of God's ability to see beyond outward appearances into the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) and encourages believers to approach Him with confidence in times of need (Hebrews 4:16). The idea that God collects our tears is found in Psalm 56:8, and the concept of finding strength in weakness and bringing one's brokenness to God is a recurring theme, emphasizing His grace and power perfecting itself in our limitations (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). The song echoes the biblical invitation to come just as you are, finding acceptance and transformation not through personal effort to be perfect, but through divine grace.
Ultimately, "Broken Prayers" serves as a profound anthem for authentic faith. It strips away the pressure to perform and instead invites listeners into a deeper, more genuine relationship with God built on transparency. By embracing the truth that God sees and values the beauty in our brokenness, the song offers hope and encourages a liberating approach to prayer and spiritual connection, confirming that we are met and accepted fully, exactly where we are.
