The Sinker's Prayer
Mt 14:30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"
Caught in the tempest's might, Peter knew he couldn't fight. With waves dancing wildly, stirred by winds through the night, he beheld before him a fearful, fearful sight. In such a plight, "Lord, save me" was a cry that's no slight.
Peter's "Sinker's Prayer" wasn't a scripted recital, but a heartfelt plea drawn out from within. Desperation, helplessness, and dire urgency gave him the words. He wasn't even urged to sincerely say it. He saw the emergency. It just came, unbidden, upon his realization of the situation and his recognition of the Savior.
He knew exactly why he was crying out to Him (his case was dire) and he knew exactly why it had to be Him whom he should cry out for (he knew it was only Him who could save him at that point).
His case is so unlike many today. Many are manipulated to parrot the Sinner's Prayer even without being convicted of sin. Conviction of sin is God making us realize our urgent and critical need for His intervention. After all, how can one truly ask for something when, in reality, he sees no need for it?
Many a Sinner's Prayer today does not qualify as a genuine call. They are actually mere recitals.
The Bible does not say: "Whoever RECITES calling upon the Lord shall be saved." Rather, it says "Whoever CALLS upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
My friend, call upon the Lord. Call upon Him because you have seen your helpless condition. Call upon Him because you know it's only Him who could save you.
