Highways to Zion
a journey towards a radical Gospel
Prayer
Posted on 09/26/2008 ::: 3 Comments, Leave Some More
There are times when I feel so overwhelmed that by the time I sit down to pray I don't know where to start. And I have this feeling that to God I must sound like a spiritual toilet being flushed - I don't have to explain the imagery on that one. But really - sometimes I start thinking of all the things that I need God's help in and realize there really isn't enough hours in the day to pray for all of them. So I end up mentioning as many of them to God as I can and crying, "Lord Help Me!" I kinda feel unspiritual when I do that - I mean, we are supposed to have really intelligent and meaningful prayers with God right? Well, maybe sometimes, but when did we get the idea that God gives a crap about the wittiness or craftiness of our prayers? I know my God is big enough to handle all the stuff in my life without me having to have good English in my prayers. At the end of the day he is looking for trust, not overblown prose - thank God.
When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
-Matt 6:7-8
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#2 On October 3, 2008, Rachel wrote:
I have often felt the same way. Over the last few years life seems to be overwhelming at all points. I think when I am at my worst, when I feel wholly unable to pray, I take great comfort in Romans 8:26 – “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
Not that this is an excuse or justification for not praying thoughtfully, but it is a comfort to know that in our weakness we are still strengthened and placed before the throne of God.
Thanks for the thoughtful (and honest) entry!
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#1 On September 30, 2008, robin wrote:
I always liked that verse. (I don’t like all of them :)
So, I was reading your blog and thinking about how you’ve always been very concerned with spiritual issues in general. I thought about how God is probably on your mind all the time and wondered if you’re always seeking, but never quite getting there (hence, the continued seeking, and hence, evidence of the fallen state). Maybe I’m just projecting. Anyway, I have a question and I’m not trying to be cliche or facetious: Why do you believe in God? And do you rely at all on something you would call proof, or is it more of an intuition type thing? I would like to read what you would write about that. But no pressure :)