Back when I was an atheist, I thought this progressively self-centered mock-prayer by Piet Hein* (below) summed up the essence of faith, that prayer was, in fact, nothing more than a method of brownnosing God in order get what we want:
O, Sun that givest all things birth
Shine on everything on earth!
If that’s too much to demand
Shine at least on this our land!
But if even that’s too much for thee
Shine at any rate on me.
Sadly, for many people, that’s exactly what prayer is. But it is precisely as accurate a definition of true prayer as “a deep hole in the ground” is of Mt. Everest. For, while earnest prayer is a conversation with God, it is never a method of bending God to my will. In fact, the exact opposite is true: The only thing that changes during prayer, the only thing that ever needs to change, is me.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may be able to discern what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.” ~Romans 12:2
I agree.we are a self centered people.
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And of course God knows when we are praying fake, and when we are being selfish. I try to remember that I can pray whatever I want to, But God gets to answer whatever way He wants!
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No Christian stands taller than when they are face-down before the Lord.
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People who pray selfish or insincere prayers are sending the wrong message to unbelievers. Glad you got past them!
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So good!
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It is the feeling, the energy, we send out with our prayers. Fake prayers never send out an energy which will bring blessings.
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We studied 12:1 today and it helps make 12:2 be more profound. 12:1- I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship. 12:1 – Do not be conformed to this world….
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Great point, Anita.
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God always answers prayer with yes, wait, and what can be seen as the dreaded No!
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“Dear God, Your will not mine.”
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“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Luke 22:42.
Hi Mitch, thanks for visiting my blog and liking my post. Appreciated !
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Perfect accompanying quote, Charles.
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how wonderful
expressing prayer
with each daily action 🙂
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Some only pray when they need something. God is not a magician.
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Indeed, he is not. And even if he were, his magic would be done according to his will, not ours.
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Even for the non- believers, every thought is still a prayer.
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In what sense, JW?
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Does not God hear every thought?
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Yes. But is every thought a prayer?
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I love Piet Hein. I bought his books when I was in college (back in the seventies) and read them over and over until I practically had them memorized. 🙂
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Aha, the roots of your humor revealed!
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Exactly… it’s all about bending MY will to God’s. 🙂
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