Prays Hymn…

“Praise Him, Praise Him, Jesus our Blessed Redeemer…”
“Here I am to Worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that You’re my God…”

Have you prayed a hymn lately? Or maybe meditated on a single phrase from a recent worship chorus at Church? Music is often a language unto itself, and can be a great tool for prayer. Recently, I spoke of praying scripture. This is very similar, and in fact, many of the Psalms are both prayer AND scripture. There is something about music that can transcend words alone to communicate our thoughts, emotions, and even memory as we pray.

Just like praying scripture, there is also a temptation to use music to substitute for prayer, and we should seek to avoid that. But in general, music can be a great inspiration and addition to our pursuit of prayer. I find that hymns reach back through my memory to pull out great truths of faith that I can pray back to God, while newer worship choruses often capture emotions, including both praise and confession. At times, I have even used secular music, including love songs and the blues, to tap into emotions that I want to share with the One who loves me eternally and cheers me when no other can.

King David is the quintessential “singer/prayer” in the Bible, and his Psalms are wonderful to use. Many of them are still being put to new music and can be sung, as well as read or recited. But there are thousands of hymns, songs, choruses, cantatas, operatic masses, chants, raps, and more that can be presented as prayer. How?

Use whatever method fits you best– use the radio, an MP3, streaming service, CD, etc., to play a song, or sing it a capella; if you are a musician, you can play the song on your instrument and sing along or think of the lyrics as you play.
Go through one verse of the song over and over– or one line or phrase that has a particular meaning. Meditate on it before the one who inspired it. “A Mighty Fortress is our God…A Mighty Fortress are you, God… A bulwark never failing… NEVER failing…”
Do a “mash up” as you are singing one song another one may come to mind. Create a medley of personal worship. Some songs might even run into each other!
Don’t be afraid to add dance or movement. Clap along. Lift your hands. Sway.
If you are having trouble getting started, find a book of hymns or songs, or tune the radio to a station that plays good music.
Make up a song from your heart! Reach back into your memory for a children’s chorus (if you grew up in church). Change the lyrics to “redeem” a classic rock song (it sounds strange, but it is not impossible for most tunes!)
Make a joyful noise!– Don’t worry if you are not a great singer. God listens to your heart!

September 27, 2023 0

Processed Prayer

I love to cook. I love looking at new recipes, and finding new ways to use fresh ingredient, use up that last bit of leftovers, or stretch staple foods like beans, flour, or rice. And I love to pray. I love being able to lift up praises, requests, and even questions. I love knowing that I can confess even my most shameful thoughts or deeds to a God who already knows, loves me more than I can imagine, and stands eager to forgive me and strengthen me to make wiser choices.

Cooking can be exciting, challenging, and creative. But it doesn’t have to be. I don’t have to cook at all in our culture. I can (at some expense) dine out every day, and let someone else do all the work. Or, I can buy pre-made meals, “processed” foods and “instant” mixes– “just add water,” “cooks in 6 minutes,” “ready to eat.” I can pray “processed” prayers, too. I can recite prayers of others, mumble graces by rote, and even read off a list of requests with little or no effort or emotion.

But processed prayer isn’t healthy– no more than processed food. Oh, it won’t seem much different– at first. And it isn’t “bad”–every once in a while. But a steady diet of praying someone else’s words and thoughts doesn’t build a personal relationship. We miss out on the “process” of praying, and the end result is not as fresh and healthful.

When I cook from scratch, I have to follow a process:

I need to make sure I have the proper ingredients.
Some ingredients need to be seeded, skinned, peeled, chopped, or otherwise readied before they can be used.
Ingredients need to be added in the proper order.
Measurements are important. 1 teaspoon of salt is not the same as 1/2 cup of salt!
I need to use the proper methods– simmer, boil, chill, bake, etc.
Timing is crucial, too. Cookies may take 10 minutes to bake– a roast may take 3 hours.

Praying “from scratch” also follows a process:

I have to have the right heart attitude.
Distractions need to be put aside.
I want to include all the “ingredients” of a deep prayer– Adoration and Praise; Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty and Power; Confession and Repentance; Thankfulness; Presenting my requests; Lifting up the needs of others; and Committing to Listen and Obey God.
Timing is important–I need to make time to visit with God in Prayer. It shouldn’t be an afterthought or another activity to squeeze in IF I have a chance!

That doesn’t mean that we can’t (or shouldn’t) pray “in the moment” or recite The Lord’s Prayer, or the Prayer of St. Francis, or another written prayer. It doesn’t mean that we should make all our prayers from a “recipe” or a formula. But if our prayer “diet” is becoming dependent on “processed” prayers, we may need to go back to the kitchen!

August 25, 2023 0

Mumbled Prayers

As I write this, I’m having an “off” day. I don’t feel well. I don’t particularly feel like worshipping or saying joyful prayers. I don’t even feel particularly like saying a prayer. But I will pray– even if it’s just a mumble or a groan.

God meets us where we are. He is not just the God of the joyful and productive; the “shiny, happy people,” or the ones who feel like overcomers. God is the God of the hurting; the God of the lonely; the God of those who are sad, tired, and feeling “off.” Of course, God doesn’t want me to go through life this way. I will have better days– days of accomplishments and celebration. But God does not leave me alone when I am grumpy, upset, or “blue.” He is right beside me, surrounding me with His presence. So I can mumble today, even if I sang yesterday or cry out in anguish tomorrow.

Prayer is a pursuit for every day– not just when we “feel like it” or when we are desperate for answers. It is a discipline. If I choose not to pray today, I may more easily choose not to pray tomorrow, or the next day. And God will still be waiting there, patiently, whether I mumble or give Him the “silent treatment.” Because prayer is more than just a pursuit and a discipline. It is part of a relationship. God already knows me intimately, but He wants ME to know HIM as well. And He wants me to know and experience His Love– even when I don’t feel it; even when I know I’m not very loveable. And that knowledge–that enduring relationship–will carry me through days like today. I can mumble, or whisper all the lies and sadness I feel on a particular day, but God’s presence will break through and wrap me in the cloak of Truth–the everlasting Truth of His Love and Faithfulness. Feelings will pass, but Faithfulness endures. And I pray to the God who is Eternally Faithful–even when I am temporarily feeling faithless and far away.

God is an expert at turning mumbles into melodies!

August 18, 2023 0

Who Is My Neighbor?

One of the best known among the parables of Jesus is the story of the “Good Samaritan.” Jesus tells the parable in answer to a follow-up question from a n expert in the law:

The Parable of the Good Samaritan
²⁵On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
²⁶“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
²⁷He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
²⁸“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
²⁹But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
³⁰In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³²So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ³⁴He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
³⁶“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
³⁷The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:25-37 (NIV)

Jesus paints with a broad brush, here– perhaps because the law expert “wanted to justify himself.” Our neighbor is anyone who crosses our path, engages our attention, and has a need for mercy, or help, or encouragement.
How do we apply this to prayer? Most of us are willing to pray for those in dire need or those close to us– friends, family, and such. But there is so much more we can do! Prayer is powerful and mysterious–much more so than most of us realize. If we want to pursue prayer, we need to consider how we can lift others up–including our “neighbors” who may not otherwise come to our attention. Here are a few suggestions to try:

Make lists. It’s easy to list members of our families or close friends. Try some other lists: co-workers; the people who live on your block or on the floor of your apartment building. Are you feeling really adventurous? Dig up an old yearbook or staff directory from an old job; list all the people in local, regional, state or provincial, and federal government who directly represent you. Lists will help you to remember to pray for people, not because you already love them or know their needs, but because God already loves them and knows their needs!
Find a focus–Choose a person (maybe someone who is facing chronic pain, or someone you don’t know as well as you would like, or even someone at random: Pray earnestly for that person every day for a week– or a month! Don’t turn it into a bludgeon (“I think you should know I’m praying for you, because I think you really need it…” In fact, you don’t need to tell the other person you are choosing to focus on them, but you may wish to ask if they would like prayer and how they would like you to pray for them).
Pray for your enemies! You may not have a long list of “enemies”, but it is likely that you know several people who are “difficult”. Don’t pray at them or about them– pray for them. If they have caused you pain, ask for the grace to forgive them. (Keep asking as necessary!) Ask the Lord to bless them, and to help you be an encouragement to them. This is one of the most difficult things you will ever pray, but it can be life-changing.
Pray the calendar–write in three or four names or general prayer requests for each day of the year. For example, on February 14, I could pray for my nephew who has a birthday, three couples I know with anniversaries that day, and for those I know who struggle with being alone on a day when others celebrate their relationships. On February 15, I can pray for those who broke up yesterday (even if I don’t know of anyone specific), for a friend who celebrates her birthday that day, and for marriage and relationship counselors.

Pray the newspaper. NOT the TV or internet news! By this, I mean that the newspaper is organized into sections– pray for national and international news issues one day a week. Another day, pray for local issues; weather/environment on another day, etc. When I do this, it causes me to see God in every aspect of what is happening around me– business, government, entertainment and culture…

Remember that prayer is not about “being good enough.” The primary purpose of pursuing prayer is to speak to, and hear from, and to obey God. As God’s Spirit inspires you, pray for whoever, or whatever, or wherever He leads you. Using tools may make it easier to get started, but don’t make the tools an idol that distracts from the focus of communing with Our Creator.
There is no perfect formula for being a “Good Samaritan” in prayer. But there is good reason to pursue ways that God can be glorified (and we can reach maturity in our walk with God) through our prayer life.
See more suggestions in the pages section of the blog.

August 7, 2023 0

Making God Look Good

A few years ago, I worked for a boss who told our staff that our number one job was to “make her look good”. This announcement came as a bit of a shock to all of us. It was nowhere in our employee manual, this idea that her status was more important than our work ethic, or our customer service, or our ability to work together as a team. What I’m sure she meant to convey was that everything we did reflected on her, and, by extension, all of us, our library, and our community. It should have been our priority to work, look, speak, and interact with patrons in a way that brought honor and respect to everyone in the building–including her–so that she could concentrate on making an already great library even better. But that’s not the way it was expressed or understood. And the results were unfortunate.

It WAS our job to respect her leadership, and do our best work, allowing her to guide the direction of the library’s growth and service. I’m ashamed to say that I did not do this– I fought her leadership, complained about the way she treated staff and patrons, criticized her ideas and her management style, and finally quit my job there.

I start with this story as a contrast to the story of Daniel as it is told in the Bible. Daniel’s job was to make his bosses–kings and emperors who had conquered his nation, exiled and enslaved him, and destroyed his home and culture–“look good.” He was an adviser to kings who were powerful, ruthless, vicious, and often petty, vindictive, and even edging on madness. He did not have the freedom to “quit” or to harbor pride or criticism.

Daniel’s ability to work under such circumstances sprang from his conviction that his number ONE priority was not to make his bosses look good, or even to be the best administrator or adviser he could be. His number one priority was to seek and to serve Almighty God. All the rest would fall into place if only Daniel would keep the right priorities.

The truth is, we cannot make someone else “look good”. We can try– we can sing someone else’s praises, brag about them, work hard to gain their approval, promote them and honor them, even worship them. And, in a superficial way, these things can make the other person appear important, wise, popular, or even “good.” But it can’t make someone else BE good, or important, or wise. And, often, our efforts are not really about making the other person look good. Our efforts are about making ourselves look good in another person’s eyes, or making someone else appear better than they really are.

Throughout his life, Daniel did his best to make God known. He made kings, from Nebuchadnezzar to Darius, acknowledge God’s power, His authority, His grace and mercy, and His goodness. But at the same time, Daniel could not “make” God look good– unless God was (and IS) all the things Daniel said He was. Daniel’s job was never to “make” God look good. His job was to point away from himself, and let God be God–awesome, mighty, loving, eternal, and Holy. In return, Daniel was used in amazing–even death-defying– ways that continue to astonish and teach us today.

My attitude toward my boss didn’t make her look good– or bad–her own actions and words spoke louder than anything I did or said about her. But my attitude and actions didn’t make me look good, either. They just made me look spiteful, arrogant, and uncooperative. Worse, they made my walk with Christ “look bad.” I wasn’t pointing people toward Him; I was pointing to the negative (and being negative) about a situation that was so much smaller than the God I serve. What a missed opportunity to demonstrate, as Daniel did, what obedience and faith look like. What a missed opportunity to let God’s goodness shine through me!

Today, as we pray to this same awesome, mighty, loving, eternal and Holy God, let us not waste time trying to “make God look good.” No amount of fancy rhetoric, holy elbow grease, finger-pointing, or pious posturing can make God better than He already is. Instead, let us come before Him humbly and with a contrite heart, ready to obey, honor, and worship Him with our whole being as Daniel did. Not in pride or arrogance, sounding like an advertisement for a new “super” product or exercise routine, or like an expert on spiritual living, but in awe that the God of Jacob, the God of Daniel, the God of the universe(!) wants to extend grace even to the least of us. God sees us in our troubles– exiled and oppressed, alone and in danger, surrounded by rivals, enemies, madmen, and beasts. God will provide; He will defend; He will bring justice; He will never leave us. Because God IS Good!

August 2, 2023 0

People, Places, and Things

Most of the time, when I lift up prayer requests, they are about people. I love people, and so does God, so it makes sense to remember those who are rejoicing, those who are mourning, and those who are struggling.

But I also pray about places. God created places, just as He created people. Through the prophets, God spoke of places– nations, certainly, but also specific mountains, rivers, cities, forests, and deserts. God pronounces judgment on people, but He mourns the destruction of places, as well.

At least once each month, I hope to post some thoughts or practices that I have found helpful in my pursuit of prayer over the years. Today, I want to talk about the importance of place.

Every day, on my prayer journal pages, I have a focus on a specific place. Yesterday, it was the island of Madagascar. Many times, I pray for the people of a specific place. Sometimes, I know of conflicts or natural disasters that impact the people living there. But often, I know very little about the places I pray for. I can look them up to find out more– what language do the people speak? what is the climate like? what are the natural resources of the area? Madagascar is home to many animal and plant species that are found nowhere else on the planet. God cares about His creation, and so should I. I may not have the resources to protect wildlife in Madagascar, but I know the creator and sustainer of all creation. And in praying for the land, people, and wildlife in Madagascar, I am taking the time to remember the vastness and variety of God’s creation, and His power to sustain life and cause it to flourish.

Jesus prayed over Jerusalem. He prayed over the Temple there. If Jesus can pray over places, then maybe we should, too. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been praying over the house where I grew up. After my mom’s death, we children decided to put the house up for sale. It hasn’t been an easy decision, but we feel it is the right one. I’ve been praying, not just that the house would sell, but that it would become a nurturing, safe place for a new family– a place where God would be honored and wonderful memories made. We aren’t finished with the process yet, but I believe that God can honor such prayers. God transcends “place.” He is omnipresent. But I believe that there are special places that resonate with the power of God’s work in the past (and other places that are haunted by the evil done there in years gone by). We should take time to acknowledge both the work that God has done in special places, and the need for His cleansing (and/or judgment) in others. Places are not more important that people, but they have lasting impact and are part of God’s purpose.

Cities, habitats, people groups, wildlife; wars, famines, floods and droughts, pollution and climate issues– from urban blight to toxic waste in the oceans. God’s heart is that we would do our best to care for the places in which we live– and that we would trust Him with the changes that are out of our control. Not just in Madagascar, or Ukraine or Rio de Janiero, but in our own backyard or in the next city block. Buildings, lakes, roads and parks– we can also lift them up in prayer, knowing that God is Lord of ALL around us–all that makes up life around us.

What might happen in our world if, instead of wringing our hands about climate change, we prayed and asked God what small steps we could take to make a difference right around us? What would happen if we prayed about the oceans and deserts and the wildlife that inhabit them– after all, I have no idea how many seals and gazelles, coral reefs and cacti there are in the world, but God knows them all!

Prayer doesn’t negate our need to care for the places around us– it’s still important to pick up litter, recycle, and be responsible about using, caring for, and disposing of resources. But praying about places will keep us “in tune” with God’s love of creation, and His desire that we honor Him in everything– everywhere!

July 21, 2023 0

Beyond Words

The world is filled with language–there are well over 5,000 recognized languages and dialects around the globe. And within each language are thousands upon thousands of words– nouns and verb forms and adjectives; names and even grunts and sighs and “clicks” that vary from language group to language group.

In spite of this, we often find ourselves “speechless”– unable to find a word or sound that adequately communicates our thoughts or feelings in the moment. We stammer or sigh, gesture, or scream– but the words either don’t come or they don’t exist.

God knows and understands our innermost heart– with or without words. The Apostle Paul refers to this in Romans, chapter 8, when he talks about the Spirit interceding for us with groans that words cannot express (v. 26). And it’s not always groaning– sometimes there are no words for our joy– only dancing or tears of gladness. Sometimes, there are wails and cries that come straight from our broken hearts. Sometimes, our excited thoughts come so fast that we cannot form words and sounds to keep up.

girl in pink jacket on wooden bridge in the forest

Prayer isn’t always about words– carefully drafted lists of requests or thank-you’s for our blessings–sometimes prayer is a spontaneous gush of sound or movement; sometimes, it is an intense stillness and profound silence, such that your heartbeat is deafening and the very air sings in your ears. Sometimes, it is the eruption of pain and guilt, regret and despair–the sound of your soul being pulled up through your throat and ripped almost in two. And sometimes, miraculously, it is the overwhelming presence of God in all of his Holiness, Splendor, and Might that defies any human utterance, but draws out pure praise, unfiltered by language!

Today, whatever words (or utterances, clicks, gestures, or groanings) you use, don’t neglect to express your heart and soul to the one who made you. Prayer is more than just mere words, just as God is more than just someone else to talk to! He knows every language, every thought and emotion, and each individual intimately. He will understand– even beyond words!

July 19, 2023 0

“Just a Vacation” by Faith

There is an old joke about a young boy who could hardly wait to go to a local evangelistic service. He begged to go– he counted the days– he thought of little else. Surprised and a little curious, his mother finally asked him why he was so excited. He said, “Mom, they said on the radio that the evangelist is going to be talking about “just a vacation” by faith. I want to go along– especially if he’s taking us to Hawaii!”

Of course, the joke is that the boy misunderstood what he had heard over the radio waves– “Justification” for “Just a vacation.” The evangelist wasn’t promoting travel or taking time off from work, or relaxing on an exotic beach somewhere.

But I think we often make a similar mistake when we talk about Faith. We make it sound like a vacation– a vacation from worry; a vacation from consequences; even a vacation from reason and “justification” for our beliefs. We carry our Faith as a kind of talisman against bad circumstances, or like a “free pass” from worry or responsibility. “If I just believe it, I will receive it!” is a great meme, but we need to believe in Jesus Christ– not just our belief about belief.

Faith goes hand in hand with work. Faith, according to the writer of Hebrews, “is the substance of things hoped for– the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 emphasis added) Faith is more than just positive or wishful thinking; more than just the power of hoping for the best; more than just acceptance of traditions and platitudes, or falling under the spell of a powerful speaker. It results in changed thinking and a changed lifestyle. Faith is transformative– our new life is evidence of our Faith IN Christ and His Holy Spirit working IN us! We don’t take a “vacation” from our old life or old habits– we change course. Faith isn’t momentary or circumstantial.

Nor is Faith about taking a vacation from responsibilities or hardships. Faith doesn’t magically make pain go away or trials vanish. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have cause to worry, or even to question, “Why?” Instead, Faith wrestles with such questions, and moves ahead, even when we cannot see over the next rise. Faith doesn’t make hard circumstances go away, or painful problems vanish. Hard times are still hard; pain is still pain, even with Faith. But Faith makes the seemingly unbearable, bearable. Faith gives us the endurance and the peace that helps us– with Christ– overcome whatever comes our way (See Philippians 4:12-13)

Faith doesn’t change our circumstances– it changes our perspective. Today is difficult– but today is not the same as forever. Tomorrow’s unknowns might be frightening, but so were yesterday’s trials. God was there with us then; He is with us today, and He has promised to be with us always. Our lack of faith doesn’t negate God’s promises, nor does our Faith cause them. But our Faith has a solid foundation– one that has been put to the test by millions of others over thousands of years and has not been found lacking! God is Faith-ful!

So when I pray today, I am not coming to God with wishful thinking or wondering if God will hear my prayer or be willing to act on my behalf. I trust that God knows my needs, hears my prayers and will answer according to His wisdom. He knows exactly what I need and when I need it– not just what I desire in a particular moment or when I think I would like my circumstances to change–but my true need. Whether or not that includes a vacation!

July 17, 2023 0

Hallelujah! Amen!

At least once a month this year, I hope to include a post on helpful tips to improve our pursuit of prayer. These are tips I’ve gathered over the years, and it helps me to remember as I write about them.

Today, I want to talk about starting and finishing well.

Beginning prayer with a Hallelujah helps focus my attention where it should be– on God! Too many times, I start praying with a “need” mindset. I’m focused on a need or a situation in my life or the lives around me. But the greatest “need” I have is to lift my eyes and focus on the ONE who is higher and greater and more powerful than any situation; the ONE who can satisfy every “need” and bring justice, restoration, and hope to any situation.

I have learned two different acronyms for prayer over the years– ACTS and PRAY. ACTS stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. PRAY stands for Praise, Repent, Ask, and YES! (action). In both, the first step is to bring praise and adoration to the One who is worthy of it.

Sometimes, this is easy to do. Sometimes, it is painful. When I am stressed, worried, grieving, or convicted, my focus is inward and downward– and I can spiral into depression, isolation, and fear. The last thing I want to do is turn my focus away. God’s glory and righteousness can be blinding in the face of dark depression and despair. And yet–

Start small. Begin with one aspect of God’s character that you have experienced– His Grace, His Faithfulness, His Love. Meditate on it. Express it. Expand on it. Recall some of the specific ways in which God has been gracious, faithful, or loving. Think about some of God’s other attributes– His wisdom, power, omnipresence; His eternal nature, His creation. Soon, it becomes easier to speak, and even sing, His Praise!

Often, this will lead naturally into confession and repentance. When we begin by focusing on God’s greatness, His Holiness, and His majesty, our worries show themselves for lack of faith; our needs, while still real, reveal opportunities for God to “show up!” and for us to learn new depths of His character IF we are humble, obedient, and willing to learn.

Praise and Adoration are important first steps in prayer. But it is equally important to end our prayers well. Sometimes, our “Amen” is muted as our focus returns to our requests. And sometimes, it can be difficult and even painful to say “Amen!” I KNOW God is all-gracious, all-knowing, and all-powerful. But I also know that I don’t have enough money to pay the latest bill, or that I have been diagnosed with an incurable disease, or that my son or daughter is still lost. And I know that God may be asking me to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He will be beside me, but He’s not going to remove the shadow or the valley to make it easier.

Over the years, I have found that it is better to wrestle IN prayer than to end with a half-hearted Amen. I must go back to Adoration; find my Thanksgiving, reclaim my Yes, Lord! before I say, “AMEN!” Otherwise, I am like the double-minded person in the book of James: being tossed like a wave in the ocean and filled with petty doubts in spite of my knowledge of God’s goodness.

End your prayer on a high note today. Remember to sandwich requests and concerns between hymns of praise and odes of thanksgiving. “Amen” should always echo our “Hallelujah!”

July 7, 2023 0

Evidence of Things Not Seen

*Note: This was originally posted in August of 2021.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
Hebrews 11:1-2 NKJV via Biblia.com

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 ESV via biblegateway.com

Prayer is an act of faith. Whether a prayer of confession, adoration, thanksgiving, supplication, or a combination of all these types, we pray to an invisible God. We do not see Him, but we acknowledge that He exists, and that He hears us when we pray. We also acknowledge that He forgives sins, is worthy of our adoration and thanksgiving, and that He cares about our needs and desires.

Faith is defined by the writer of Hebrews as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” There are many who scoff at this type of faith, claiming it is “blind faith.” Because we cannot see God, because we do not hear Him audibly, because we cannot touch Him–they claim that our faith is nothing more than wishful thinking or delusion. But our faith is actually “evidence” of God’s existence– not because we make a claim to believe, but because we act on and live out our belief. One brief prayer whispered in panic is not compelling, but a lifetime of praying and faithfully acting on the belief that God listens and responds–that is evidence that commands attention.

Sometimes, we become so familiar with the ancient stories of the Bible, that we discount the very real faith shown by the “elders.” Noah didn’t build a rowboat or even a trading ship– he built an Ark to withstand a flood he could not have imagined. Abraham left his home to go to a land God would show him– he had no map, or any way of knowing what awaited him. He lived as a nomad in tents the rest of his life. But what about his life before? He didn’t begin as a nomad and a wanderer. And there was nothing to suggest that he would ever become the patriarch of an entire nation/many nations. The shepherd boy, David, was told that he would someday be king. Yet he put himself in mortal danger several times, and refused to challenge King Saul in order to claim the crown. Daniel was certainly aware of the danger he was in over the course of his service to foreign kings, yet he stood firm in his convictions, when common sense would have had him compromise to keep his position (and his life!).

Faith (and praying in faith) doesn’t always some easily. We are bombarded with images and sounds that suggest that God does NOT exist, or that He does not listen or respond. I have prayed many times for people to be healed of cancer, only to see them die. I have days filled with stress or frustration, when my prayers seem to go unheard. Does this mean that my faith is void, or based on nothing more than a vapor?

Photo by Merlin lightpainting on Pexels.com

No, because faith is the evidence, not of the things I am seeing or experiencing now, but of things unseen. My perspective is narrow and distorted. I may see my friends’ deaths as the “end.” I may see my temporary trials as impossible obstacles and heavy burdens. I may see my past as a prison, trapping me in the bad choices I have made, or the hurts I have suffered. Faith is the evidence that such things, while they are real, and devastating, are not the entire picture, or the final word. Faith is the evidence that life is worth celebrating, even on the “bad” days. Faith is the evidence that God is bigger than injustice, or disease, or heartbreak, or death.

Faith isn’t “proof” of God’s existence for those who will not believe. But it is strong and solid evidence for those who are searching. When I pray for someone else’s health, I am not ordering God to do what I want. If He doesn’t answer with immediate or total healing, it is not because I don’t have enough faith or because He just doesn’t listen to me. Buy when I lift others up in prayer, I am acting on the promise that God will listen and act according to His perfect and sovereign character. I have seen miracles of healing; I have also seen miracles in suffering and even death. “Things not seen” often includes things outside of my knowledge or perspective– things that I can only see after I take steps of faith that take me out of my limited vision.

As I write this post, I’m having one of those “bad” days– frustrating, filled with stress and pain. And not just my own– I’ve had several friends and family members who are dealing with death, disease, job loss, broken family issues, and more. Two of my childhood classmates died within a week of each other earlier this month, while three families in our church are dealing with hospitalizations and a death. And that isn’t even covering the crises in Afghanistan, Haiti, Tennessee, and elsewhere– floods, persecution, earthquakes and hurricanes, upheaval, and more. Those are the things we see. Faith is not blinding ourselves to those realities. It is choosing to believe that there is much more that we do not see–that God is in control, and that He is capable of redeeming and restoring even the mess that surrounds us.

I sat down to write this post, and had to stop–my faith was taking a beating. But I prayed. I listened for that still, small voice that led me to revisit Hebrews 11. I phoned a friend. Small steps of faith, but God is faithful. He gave my faith a booster shot. He can do the same for anyone who comes to Him in faith.

June 19, 2023 0

Tag: Praying