Even today, in the 21st century, there are still people who pray. Maybe in secret, alone, maybe when they are in trouble or worried about something. They may be believers or non-believers. The desire for help or strength from One who is all-powerful is often greater than our own convictions.
A Longing for Something Higher
In German, the word “longing” is “Sehnsucht”. The first part, “Sehn” means to want something that seems good and proper, but not be able to have it at the moment. The second part, “Sucht” translates “addiction”. So those who have a longing are looking for something they think they need and cannot do without. They are searching for a way to satisfy either real or perceived needs.
Do you agree that we humans have a place inside us reserved for something higher, let’s say, divine? When we stand on top of a mountain or gaze into a clear, star-studded night sky, many feel drawn to something or someone awesome, to the power of creation or a Creator greater than we can wrap our minds around. It’s understandable that one might like to be able to communicate with that Higher Power. We call this communication prayer.
This is the biggest mountain near us, Säntis. It is always an awe-inspiring view, to see its beauty and imagine the power that put it there. Amazing! The view from the top is even better! With optimal visibility you can see 6 countries.
The Meaning of Prayer
The idea of Christian prayer requires the recognition of a benevolent Higher Power. As Christians, we believe in a personal God who is pleased to hear and answer our prayers. This is a faith not found in many other religions. He must be present when we pray; thus, the term “omnipresence” is used to express one of His special qualities.
If God had the power to create people, it would be reasonable to assume that He might want to communicate with those He created. One way He can do that is through nature. He also gifts some people with special wisdom and knowledge, so they can be a blessing for those around them.
Such were those who were chosen to write His Book, the Bible. The more you read it, the more you are amazed at how this Book, which was written over a period of about 1500 years by so many different authors, could demonstrate such precise harmony in its messages and principles.
Isn’t it understandable that human beings in their limitedness would like to connect with their Creator, the One who controls the micro- and macrocosm, as well as time and space? Of course we would like to take our worries and cares to Him! With Him, there’s always hope. With Him, we can experience a change for the better.
Jesus of Nazareth was the epitome of the image of a personal God. It seems to me to be the greatest sign of humility and love for God to deal with His creatures on their level the way He did in the Person of Jesus Christ. Because He became human, He cannot only SAY He understands us; He really understands and can speak to us in a way that we can comprehend. As we examine the historical figure of Jesus, we are able to discern who God is, how He thinks, and how He treats people. Jesus’ thoughts and actions as recorded in the Bible are like an interpreter, bringing “God’s language” within our grasp.
Everything Jesus did in His life, the way He met challenges, took every need seriously and always helped those in distress, impresses me.
"Faith" is the hard and fast reception of Jesus’ modus operandi into one’s own life. His principles, including love, justice, kindness and forgiveness, are (or should be) valid for individual Christians, as well as for all Christianity. Paul wrote to the Romans, "Owe no man anything, but to love one another," (13:8), and in John 13:8 Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have love you.” Love is the center of life and all our needs. This is where healing begins.
What happened at the cross, the abuse Jesus suffered for you and me in order to give us an escape route out of our miserable predicament, is of unfathomable universal significance. When He went through all that, love was redefined with much grander dimensions.
The Paradox
For many serious Christians, it is crystal clear that communication with our Creator is the key to a productive faith and an urgent necessity for a happy life here on earth and an amazing eternal life in the future. Contact with the Creator and Sustainer of life through prayer is the way through which strength and wisdom can be obtained. Galatians 5:22 recounts all the treasures He is waiting to give us: love, joy peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control. A veritable myriad of gifts that would revolutionize our characters!
Knowing all this, why don’t we pray more? Why don’t we act on our knowledge? Why do we want to, but can’t? Can’t we really?
Maybe we are tired of hearing our own selfish requests or experiencing a lack of answers. Do we perhaps pray that others will become better people, but keep ourselves out of it?
Or maybe it’s the postmodern program (BLOG) in our brain’s damaged learning center, which our educational system has trained to respond mostly only to external motivation (BLOG), making us helpless victims and dependent on outside factors?
Where are the strong men and women who stride through life, straight as an arrow, self-confident, just and warm-hearted, leaving the impression of a mature Christian, who have an active prayer life? Do you know anyone like that?
What is the point? Who is the point?
What are your favorite topics to pray for? Who is at the focal point? You or God? Do I pray that my spouse will be converted so my life will be more pleasant? Is it about having a comfortable life? Is health an important issue because we’re afraid of pain? Do we pray for success so we can be SOMEBODY? What is the root of our requests?
Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 that in order to be a NEW CREATION we need new insights. As long as we see others and circumstances from our human point of view, straight across, we will not make any progress. BUT as soon as we begin to see life from a vertical point of view, through God’s wisdom and Word, we will suddenly experience new life. The motivation that drives us to this new way of looking at things is our encounter with Jesus at the cross. That’s where we can pick up our new thoughts and feelings, our new modus operandi.
It is so wonderful that we don’t have to be afraid of our Creator! How amazing that He calls Himself our Father and us His children! And when He says He’s our Father, He really means it! His understanding of LOVE includes FREEDOM, TRUTH, JUSTICE and GRACE. An unbeatable quintet!
What’s in it for me?
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. He doesn’t need it in order to know how we are doing; we need it. Prayer doesn’t bring God down to us; it lifts us up to Him.
Luther once said he prayed more on the days he knew would be especially tough.
As post modern people, we are automatically inclined to ask, “What’s in it for me?” Prayer is about our relationship to our Creator God, whom we may call Father. What a privilege! With prayer, we can leave this earth, mentally, and enter His territory. The closer we come to His wisdom, the clearer and more transparent life, with all its challenges, will appear. More and more, we will begin to see things as He sees them, our temporal priorities will begin to fade, and life will become much easier (in spite of trials) and more joyful.
Additionally, in this way we actually come into contact with the source of love. Through His Son, God opened up whole new dimensions of love to the whole universe! If you would like to have a glimpse into this miracle of love, read the last several chapters of each of the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
When we begin to meet with God regularly in prayer, we will begin to change. Our values and priorities change, and our relationships become more important. We get help with our problems, OR we receive comfort in our troubles. When I give God a chance to (re)form me into His likeness, I will experience an elevation of my personal standards and quality of life. There’s a LOT in it for me!
