Prayer and Love

Recently some friends and I have been talking about prayer, and the discussion became stuck the other night when someone asked what the point is in praying for a sick person in the hospital. Sometimes God heals, sometimes he doesn't, and it seems He's already made up His mind...so why bother telling Him what we want or feel?

Our pastor points out that, even in prayer, we are called to live by faith not by results. If God says that prayer is powerful and effective, then we are to believe that prayer is powerful and effective. Period. So the issue is more one of trusting God, trusting His love even when I don't understand or can't see or get what I want or need.

While I think the question is a common one, the way that I'm seeing things tonight is that the question places the focus on something other than the real reason we should pray in the first place. Prayer is conversation with God, not simply a reading of a wish list or a pleading for mercy or help. While we westerners do spend a lot of time asking God for things, the intent of prayer is not to get something, but rather to be with someone. How would we feel if we thought that the only reason one of our friends talked to us was to get something? While we may be the generous type and want to meet a friends need or desire, it would be considered presumptous on their part to expect I would do that.

Imagine for a moment that a rich uncle left me 10 million dollars, and I decided to send all of my friends a letter to tell them that if two or more of them agreed on something they wanted, that they'd have it. A week later while I'm at work I get a call from a friend who only calls me about once a month, if that. After I answer he asks me to hold while he connects a couple of other people for a conference call. Once we're all on the line, my friend states that they all agree that I should invest with them in the Amway business. He reminds me of my letter, pointing out that they are entitled to what they have asked. Before this time, our conversations were never substantial ones, they usually consisted of complaints or needs, and rarely did we have conversations for the enjoyment of it all.

Me, being human, might give in to my friends request, feeling as though I had obligated myself. At the same time I would probably feel sad, and more like I was being used than befriended. God, being God and perfect, were He in the same shoes, would probably feel sad too, but wouldn't give in unless it was truly in the best interest of all concerned to oblige.

Prayer is a vehicle by which we have conversations with God. Much like email and the telephone are ways that I talk to my husband throughout the day, prayer is the equivalent when I want to talk to God. It is not so much a mystical experience as it is the proof of an ongoing friendship.

Think about it.
Write me at cherylwrites@gmail.com and tell me what you think.

Clearly yours,
Cheryl