Praying For the Ashes

“Playing for the Ashes” may not be a familiar term to many. It refers to a Cricket Rivalry between England and Australia, dating back over 125 years. The term “the Ashes” was first used by a sports writer lamenting the loss of a Cricket match. The team from Australia had defeated the English team on its home soil, and the writer wrote a tongue-in-cheek “obituary.” Over the years, the two teams now play for a trophy shaped like an urn, which supposedly contains ashes of something related to the famous game. The rivalry is real, and the teams give their all to win each match “for the ashes.” But the trophy itself is little more than a joke. The phrase has come to mean playing all out for something that is already (figuratively) dead or worthless.

“Playing for the Ashes” is also the title of a mystery novel, in which a cricket player is murdered. I am not a Cricket fan, but I am a fan of mysteries, and in reading the book, I learned a little bit about a sport I have never followed. But the book builds on rivalry and the theme of investing one’s energy and dreams for “Ashes.” The main characters of the book have wasted their money, energy, and life force in the pursuit of power, revenge, fame, and status, only to find themselves losing everything they ever worked for. The book is very well written, and it made me think. But it also left me sad and somewhat empty at the end.

I began thinking about how various life pursuits might compared to playing for the ashes. I write about pursuing prayer, but what is my goal and aim? Am I pursuing prayer with the right goals? I may answer that it is part of my pursuit of living like Christ; that I want to grow closer to God; that I want to grow in my walk with Christ…any number of “Spiritual” answers. But is that always true?

How often do I spend my time playing for, and even PRAYING for “the ashes?” How many times do I try to “fix” things first, and only pray as a last resort? How many prayers are spent asking for things I “want” to happen, instead of seeking God’s will first? What dreams am I holding on to when I pray– unwilling to lay them on the altar? Am I praying in line with God’s will, or do I feel like prayer is a rivalry (either with God or with my circumstances)? Prayer IS a pursuit, but it is not a game or a rivalry. The “prize” of prayer is not getting the answers I want, or getting God’s “approval” of my desires. The “prize” is eternal, abundant life from– and with– the Father! It is not getting God “on my side”, but growing closer to the heart of God!

God wants to hear our requests and our desires– but He also wants to hear our desire to follow Him above all. We should be running for the true prize, not playing (or praying) for the ashes!

October 11, 2024 0

Fervor and Faithfulness

Do you pray fervently? Do you pray faithfully? I confess that sometimes I go through periods of fervent prayer, but it doesn’t always last. And, while my goal is to pray faithfully, I sometimes struggle with daily prayer seeming bland.

Thankfully, God does not demand constant fervor and faithfulness (though He does provide His Spirit to help us with both!) God wants us to come before Him exactly as we are; He KNOWS exactly what we are feeling, and He wants us to experience His presence THROUGH both the peaks and valleys. Experience has taught me that faithfulness in prayer can often lead to renewed fervor. Fervor and ardency can be influenced by our emotions. I pray most fervently when I feel needy, or when I am swept up in joy, or when I am surrounded by others who are riding a particular emotion. But I pray most faithfully when I choose to step out in spite of my emotions or circumstances.

Recently, I was reading in 2 Chronicles about “Good King Asa” of Judah. If you read chronologically through the Bible, you meet King Asa in 1 Kings (briefly in chapter 15), and again in 2 Chronicles (chapters 14-16) Both times, he is classified as a “good” king in Judah, one who “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” He reigned for 41 years, and was a champion of reform. He was a fervent and devoted king throughout most of his reign, and was mourned upon his death. But sadly, King Asa ended his reign in rebellion against the God he had so staunchly served for most of his life.

God had blessed Asa with astonishing military victories and years of peace and prosperity. But after 36 years of faithful and fervent service, Asa seems to have turned his back on his faith. Another army threatened to invade Judah, and Asa, instead of turning to God as before, brokered a treaty with another local king for protection. He sent silver and gold from “the treasuries of the House of the Lord” to King Ben-Hadad of Aram for help in repelling the army of King Baasha of Israel (the northern kingdom of the Jews). He bribed Ben-Hadad to break his treaty with Israel, and together, they sacked the fortifications and caused Baasha to back off.

In spite of King Asa’s victory, the Lord sent a prophet to rebuke him. King Asa, who had sought the Lord throughout more than three decades of devoted service, became so angry that he had the prophet thrown in jail. He then began oppressing his own people! Three years later, Asa developed a severe disease in his feet. But instead of calling on God, he consulted only his own court physicians. He suffered for two more years before finally dying. This “Good” King, famous for his passionate pursuit of reform and devotion to God, ended his life embittered, angry, diseased, and despotic.

God still chose to use King Asa for good– Asa’s reforms were a key ingredient in keeping Judah from suffering the fate of neighboring Israel. Asa’s reign was marked by years of peace and prosperity. Many of the faithful Jews living in Israel moved to Judah, where Asa’s reforms meant that could worship freely and fully. In fact, there was such a revival that people took extreme vows to follow God whole-heartedly. What a shame that the leader who inspired such devotion would himself fall victim to greed, pride, and bitterness, and fail to truly experience the blessings he had helped bring about!

I pursue fervent prayer. I want to serve God whole-heartedly, and I want all the joy and peace of a close relationship with Him. But I also want to serve God faithfully, even when I don’t feel the passion I had last week or last month. Because I know that God is both Eternally Fervent and Eternally Faithful!

If you are going through a season where the feelings just aren’t as “strong” as they have been in the past; if you are tempted to coast on the strength of past victories; if you are wondering why your prayer life is flagging, or lacking in the zeal you once had– DON’T GIVE UP! Don’t let your story end up like Asa’s.

We are called to FINISH the race. And yes, we want to race to “win the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). But remember that our strength comes from God, not our own desires.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

We don’t have to make a choice between fervor and faithfulness, but let’s not pursue one without the other. Let’s be fervent in the sprinting, and faithful in the long stretches. Let’s finish the race well!

April 26, 2024 0

Reflections on the “Big Game”

I missed this year’s Super Bowl. For anyone who is unfamiliar with this tradition, the Super Bowl is the name given (and trade-marked– that’s why this post’s title is the “Big Game”) to the national championship game for American Football each year. The tradition is as old as I am– 57 years–and each year, it gets nearly as much hype as the World Cup (Football in most of the rest of the world!)

Though I missed watching the game, I have some reflections to share about it:

While it is an important sporting event for anyone interested in American Football, it is not (for most of us) a life-changing, “Super” anything. I have not watched a Super Bowl game in many years, and my life is every bit as rich and full as it was in years when I did watch. The teams come and go, the players change, and the even the most exciting plays will be largely forgotten in the coming years (except for what gets re-played on “highlights”). It is a Big game. But it is not real life, and it is not THE Big event of anyone’s life– even the players will have other events (marriage, the birth of a child, the death of a parent, etc.) that will compete with the three hours spent one Sunday in February on a football field.
Football is divided into two halves (four quarters, to be exact). In between the two halves is a period known as “Half Time.” This is a curious ritual. The two teams get about a half hour to rest, reflect, strategize, and regroup before the second half of the game. Meanwhile, the fans get treated to an entertainment. In high school and college football, this is usually a chance for the marching band to show off. It has a military flavor, with drums, flags, formations, and cheerleaders all getting the crowd enthused for the “home team.” But there is no “Home” team for a Super Bowl. The teams play in a neutral location. So the “halftime” entertainment is like a condensed rock concert. The entertainment has nothing to do with the game at hand, and has no clear purpose.
The Super Bowl is televised, and corporations, public service groups, and other interests spend millions of dollars to buy advertising rites, and millions more dollars creating what they hope will be memorable ads to be shown during this window of high visibility. Tickets for the live event are expensive, but millions of people are watching on TV from their homes, or at sports bars or special “Super Bowl” parties.
Super Bowl Parties are a huge “thing.” Fans spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on special food, decorations, venues, team-related clothing and other “gear.”

I am not a big football fan, so I don’t understand a lot of the hype. I don’t begrudge anyone the fun of watching and enjoying sporting events, but I wonder about some of the emphasis placed on this event. What would happen if:

People spent the same kind of energy, time, or money on strengthening their family, or building up their community, or spreading the gospel?..There are “Real life” events that are far more important and urgent than a football game– especially one in which we are mere spectators–that should cause us to clear our schedule, make preparations, and keep us riveted. How many people can recall cheering on a new bride and groom, or a high school graduate or a recovering addict or a new Christian with even a tenth of the excitement they give to a groups of players they’ve never met or spoken to, for a game that has no lasting impact on their own life, their family or community?
Only those people who were actual football fans attended the Super Bowl or Super Bowl Parties? How many people are spending money, time, and energy on something they don’t even really care about, because of the “shiny” extras on the periphery– the snacks, the Halftime Show, being the “first” to see the newest ads, being part of “the fun”, going along with the “in” crowd?”
Churches, schools, charities, etc., could garner similar commitment and excitement from their members and communities? What if we could generate the same kind of money and enthusiasm to fill food banks or send relief to those impacted by hurricanes or earthquakes? What if prayer meetings and tent revivals broke attendance records? What if graduation parties and anniversary parties were as elaborate as Super Bowl Parties?

Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexels.com

Just some thoughts. As I said above, I missed the Super Bowl this year…I don’t know what I might have enjoyed, or what memories I might have had. I much prefer the memories I have of spending time with grandkids, or celebrating special birthdays with friends and family, or helping plan a graduation party for my niece and nephew, or sharing the joy of a baptism. To me, that is Super way to spend a day.

February 15, 2023 0

A Lenten Prayer

Father,
I gave up nothing for Lent this year.

I went on a “weight-loss” plan because my doctor said I should.
Even so, I didn’t give up meat or chocolate,
Or sweets, or even television, like some others did.

I didn’t give up shopping.
I didn’t give up social media.
I didn’t give up…anything for this short season.

But today I acknowledge that Lent isn’t really about
What I have or haven’t given up.
It’s about what YOU gave up.
You gave it all:
Your Glory;
Your Power;
Your Majesty.
You became a simple man.
A servant of men.
A man without a home;
Without prestige;
Without a title.

You were betrayed;
Falsely accused,
Corruptly tried,
Shamefully condemned,
Brutally beaten,
Crucified.
So that I might gain eternal life.

You do not judge me for what I haven’t given up for a season.
You do not withhold your love and forgiveness;
Waiting for me to learn the disciplines of Lent.
You ask for more than that– and less.
You ask me to follow you–to leave it all behind.
You ask me to give up my life– only to find it again in You.

Let me reflect today on what more I need to give up:
My pride.
My apathy.
My selfishness with time and money.
My need to have my own way;
My own comforts.

May I be free to serve you;
To serve others.
May I be ready to give up whatever is
Keeping me in thrall;
Keeping me enslaved;
Keeping me from serving you with abandon.

Show me how to let go
Of all but You–
That You may be my All.

March 25, 2022 0

Fast Forward

I’ve written dozens of blog posts about prayer, and very little about fasting. Fasting is a practice that is often coupled with prayer, but fasting rarely appears in my blog.

There are several reasons for this. I don’t make a practice of dedicated fasting, so I don’t feel comfortable writing about something I don’t know well. or practice often. I also don’t want to give fasting equal time or importance, because I feel it can become a substitute or even an obstacle to prayer if done for the wrong reasons.

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

The Lenten season is fast approaching, and it is a time when many people choose to fast, so I am stepping out of my comfort zone a little to give more time and effort to fasting (and discussing it here). Here are a few things I have found:

Photo by Marx Alexei Illaconza on Pexels.com

While we often think of fasting as going without food or water (or both), there are actually many kinds of fasting. Fasting simply means that we do without or set aside something as an act of obedience, reverence, contrition, or worship. Fasting should be done with the goal of getting closer to God, increasing our focus and our dependence on Him. When we fast, we are creating a “space” of dependence– separating ourselves from one thing to be available for another thing– namely prayer and worship. It isn’t about not eating, so much as not allowing food and drink (or other things) to call us away from time with God.
Fasting is Biblical. It was practiced by Biblical figures from Moses to King David, Ezra, Daniel, Nehemiah, Esther, and the entire nation of Israel! Jesus fasted and members of the early church practiced fasting as well. Fasting is encouraged, but not required. It is never prohibited, but there are several biblical warnings about improper fasting (see below).
For an excellent discussion (by people who have studied longer and know far more than I do), see: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-exactly-is-fasting-all-about.html or any number of other excellent blogs and websites, many of which are linked in the site I’ve listed.
Fasting is NOT meant to be an end in itself. There are many people who use fasting as a diet plan, or as an exercise in self-control. This is NOT biblical fasting. Whatever you are “setting aside” in your fast should be “filled” with prayer, meditation, and worship, and that should always be your focus. If you have health issues, a history of eating disorders or obsessive behavior, you should be very careful about fasting. Consider seeking advice or an accountability partner to help you remained focused on the real goals.
Fasting will not make you more righteous, or better than someone else who does not practice fasting. In fact, Jesus warned that when we fast, we should not do anything to call attention to the fact– no moaning or sighing, etc. Fasting isn’t about impressing others with our religious devotion. God knows our actions, but He also knows our heart.
Fasting is a commitment, and should not be taken lightly. If you decide to do a fast, and you’ve never done one, it’s best to start small and complete it, than to jump in headfirst and fail to keep your commitment. Not because God will be angry or disgusted– remember that God LOVES you and wants you to desire a closer relationship. But God wants each of us to grow to maturity. God will give us grace to do what He asks us to do; but He won’t honor our efforts to “outdo” Him.

Photo by Paulo Mu00e1rcio Dos Santos on Pexels.com

In taking a closer look at fasting, I am encouraged to do it more often. I have done short fasts, food fasts, and fasting from activities, and I can say that such practices often have surprising results. If you are planning to do any kind of fast for Lent, I pray that you will find it brings you closer to God and helps you in your own pursuit of prayer.

February 10, 2021 0

Jesus Calls Us

I was at worship yesterday. We sang some wonderful hymns and songs of worship. Still, I miss some of the “old” hymns we used to sing in the small country church of my youth. This was one of them:

In case the video does not show up, here are the words:
Jesus calls us: o’er the tumult of our life’s wild, restless sea,
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth, saying, “Christian, follow Me.”
Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us, saying, “Christian, love Me more.”
In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls, in cares and pleasures, “Christian, love Me more than these.”
Jesus calls us: by Thy mercies, Saviour, may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thine obedience, serve and love Thee best of all. Amen.

Prayer is never just a one-way communication. We may not “hear” from God in an audible voice, but He calls us into communion with Him daily. He wants to hear from us; He wants to speak to us–through His word, through our experiences, through friends and neighbors and even chance encounters. We may not have a deep spiritual burden to bring before the throne of grace– does that keep us from needing to share a quiet moment with the lover of our soul?

Suppose the only time you ever spoke to your spouse was when you desperately needed her/his help? What would that say about your relationship? The same holds with our spiritual walk. God wants to speak to us; to have us notice the beauty of the sunrise, or the grace of moonlight in the mist. He wants to bring us hope and comfort in the stories and psalms of scripture. He wants us to share our nagging worries and our minor triumphs– not because He doesn’t know or cannot see–because He wants to share in our struggles and our joys, our deep grieving and our small amusements.

He wants all of this because of His great love for each of us. If we could just see His eyes light up with love when we walk into a room…and if we could hear the love in His voice– we would be undone. Someday, we will be– undone, and remade, and able to catch His eye without shattering in the light of that love.