HOW SHALL WE THEN PRAY?

I have found myself in several situations recently in which there has been a lot of discussion about prayer.  How should we pray? Why should we pray?  What does prayer actually accomplish?  Does prayer change God’s mind or plans?

I have a friend who has been battling brain cancer for about two years.  She has had multiple surgeries and still continues to struggle with the cancer.  There are hundreds of people holding her up to the Lord in their prayers.  A Facebook page has been formed for her encouragement and support. 

Several people have expressed frustration because they have “prayed so hard” for her and “it’s not working.”  This has led to several conversations about prayer and some long discussions with people about what prayer actually accomplishes.  I recently finished preaching a series on the life of Abraham and my thoughts returned to Genesis 18 where Abraham prays for any righteous people living in Sodom.

Obviously, my concern is with people who tend to see prayer as magic.  What I mean is, people who think if they say the right words God will have to do what THEY want him to do.  Or if they ask often enough they will be able to get God to intervene.  Or if they get enough people to ask then God will be required to respond.  Or if they REALLY MEAN IT God will change the situation.

Abraham’s behavior in Genesis 18 gives a wonderful example for us in prayer.  As Jehovah and the angels eat the meal Abraham has provided, he merely stands nearby, listening for God to say something.  As the three rise to depart, Abraham also goes and walks along with them.  And when the Lord stays behind and the two angels head toward Sodom, Abraham remains standing before him.  To this point Abraham has said NOTHING!  Finally, God speaks and tells Abraham what he intends to do.  Only THEN does Abraham begin to speak!  It is silence, silence, silence.  Then God speaks.  Finally Abraham speaks.  Yet is not ALL of this prayer?

In 2 Samuel 5 the Philistines come up to Israel and spread out for battle in the Valley of Rephaim.  What is so telling to me is that David, the warrior-king, does not gather his army, march on the Philistines, and ask God to give him victory over his uncircumcised enemies!  Rather, before he does anything he ASKS God what he should do!  Then God guides him.

May we learn to wait in silence and ask God for direction rather than make demands of him and then request blessing on what we’ve already decided to do!