Back when I was an atheist, I thought this progressively self-centered mock-prayer by Danish humorist Piet Hein summed up the essence of faith. I thought prayer was, in fact, nothing more than a method of flattering God in order to get what you 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 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 our will. In fact, the exact opposite is true: the only thing that needs to change during prayer is us.
“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
Wonderful post. I don’t think many people understand what an astonishing privilege prayer really is.
I would have to agree, Jean.
We have been focusing on the Fruits of the Spirit over the past eight weeks and gentleness is our fruit today. Humility and gentleness go hand in hand, don’t they? I think that’s what is so badly lacking in the “look at me” culture of today. I must confess to not always being “gentle” and that along with self-control are things I must work on to be more like Jesus.
They do indeed go hand-in-hand, Sally.
“I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things.”- Mother Teresa.
We don’t love our Lord for what He can do for us, we love Him for what He is. Come to think of it, every breath we take is a prayer, a breath of thanksgiving, Prayer thus becomes a way of life when one learns the joy of Be-ing in conversation with our Lord all the time. There is no better Joy in this whole world than melting into a prayer almost anywhere!!😇
Thank you for this wonderful post
Loved it 💝
My pleasure, Celina.
Well said, Celina. I wrote a book about “unanswered” prayer, and one thing I stress repeatedly is that prayer is not a way to “get stuff” from God, it’s a way to connect with Him more intimately in a love relationship with Him – the greatest blessing of all.
Thank you so much 🙏God bless you 🕊️
Right on, Mitch. Whoever first turned prayer into a list of grievances did us all a disservice. Wait a minute, I’ve done it too.😬
Me too.
Thanks for sharing your this. Piet Hein’s poem does reflect a common idea that prayer is about asking God for things we want, as if He is a sort of bargaining chip. Prayer isn’t about trying to get God to do what we want but about letting God change us. As Romans 12:2 says, prayer helps us renew our minds and understand what is truly good. Great Post Mitch
Exactly, Willie, and thanks.
Amen
You are welcome Brother
I think most who pray are sincerely having a spiritual connection. True nonbelievers do not pray.
Thanks for this Mitch.
My privilege, Max.
I always keep to my faith and I know the Lord guides me through my days, I say a morning prayer thanking Him for a new day and I say the Lord’s Prayer at night adding any additions about people who need to be prayed for, One of the basic things I ask for myself is for the Lord to give me health, stamina, and the strength to get myself through each day. When something good happens I look up and say, “Thank you, Lord”.
Interesting. Without prayer and faith, we can be cynical.
This reminds me of my dad’s sermon about prayer: “The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love.”
romans 37:02 trust, commit & delight yourself in the lord.
Prayer is the first wireless connection-and it’s free! 🙂
;>) And no data limit!
Prayer is a way of getting to know God. Thank you for the honesty of your post.
My privilege, Belinda.
Good message.
Thanks, Julie.
Prayer is not so that we can give God His to do list. Prayer is the time to draw near to God and be united with Him by His grace.
I finally woke one morning in church and realized that we spend an inordinate amount of time begging for things from God, and that that’s not what prayer should be about. It’s almost like one is holding a well-prepared sandwich in hand and asking God for a table to sit at to eat it. I’m reminded of the 23rd Psalms and the Lord’s prayer, very little asking for this and that, instead praise an honor are the essence of both.
AMEN!! I like how you put this and how “oldandblessed” responded.
Bargaining with God for personal gain is never the right thing to do. TALKING with God as thought we’re talking with a wise & loving grandparent .. a genuine conversation … is good for our soul.
Mitch
Do you think that the word is perhaps too loaded in one direction? Namely, if you pray it’s bound to be of benefit or to get you out a sticky situation.
My benediction, such as it is (I’m a polytheist — I suppose), is to talk to one or two of the great Oaks in our village. They seem, to my untutored eye, to have a lot more wisdom in their fibre and being that all the talk that abounds these days about how we should live out our lives.
Blessings, Julian
Prayer is our opportunity to participate in God’s work…even His work on us.
This is very true. Prayer is our pathway to the beautiful connection that is available to each of us. Being genuine and intentional in this connection is incredibly important.❤️
Amen!
Yes, what changes during prayer is us.
Amen! I realize that sometimes I am overly focused on myself in my prayers; I want to focus more on the needs of others, especially salvation, above all.
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