I have recently read the book “Jesus with Dirty Feet” by Don Everts. It was a really short little book that has a big message. I don’t believe in concoindence. I belive everything has a divine appointment. God taught me so much about himself in this little book. This month has been a really prayer filled month. I have prayed and watched God answer so many of those prayers. It has been utterly amazing to watch God work in this country. Here is a glimpse into the chapter on prayer:
Jesus assumed that in prayer awkward, fragile Jesus Followers commune with the Creator of the universe. Prayer is great disparity being reconciled. Tiny humans (who aren’t always that impressive when they look in the mirror in the morning) and the “I Am” (whose bountiful largess dwarfs entire galaxies with a mere eyelash) come together! A ludicrous conversation made quite possible. Broken humans and a holy and perfect God talking. It’s so luicrous, so far-fetched that it takes faith to even believe it’s possible. But that’s exactly what Jesus insisted it was: possible. Sure, it’s ludicrous: like swallowing the Nile River. Like holding the oceans’ deeps and all their dark water and life and mystery in one hand. Like inhaling New York City! But, according to Jesus, it’s a conversation that’s enjoyable, satisfying, comfortable.. and, yes, quite possible.
Jesus had this to say to his followers about prayer: “And when your pray don’t be like the hypocrites who love to use prayer as a performance. They are concerned with their prayers being heard by other people, not God. When you pray be at home. Be intimate. And pray to your Father who is sitting in your room with you where you are praying.” When you pray don’t heap up empty phrases. Folkswho think they’ll be heard because of their many words are wrong. Don’t be like them. Instead, pray like this: our Father in heaven, may your name be lifted as holy and different, may your Kingdom come, may your will be done on earth just like in heaven, give us today our bread for the day, forgive our sins as we too forgive others, protect us from temptation and rescue us from the enemy.” Matthew 6:5-13. Prayer is no rare , fany-worded performance. It’s daily family conversation. It’s simple.
Pretense is not prayer, it’s a waste of time. The point ic communion, conversation with God. Not impressing God. Jesus told this story: “Two men went up to the church to pray. One was a religious leader, and the other a shady collector of oppressive taxes. The religious leader stood by himself and said ‘God, thank you that I am obviously not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give a tenth of all my income to the church.’ The shady tax collector stood far off. He wouldn’t even look up to heaven. He was beating his breast , saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you this man went down to his home having been with God. The religious leader did not.” Luke 18:10-14. Prayer is not an attempt to impress, it is a time to finally relax and be honest.
Folded hands and closed eyes is not the mandatory posture for prayer. Praying isn’t necessarily calm and sedate for a Jesus Follower. It is…it is a real child interacting with the real Father. Posture isn’t something to be forced, it is to reflect a person’s interaction with God. Prayer can be as aerobic as it is comtemplative, as angry as it is thankful. The Bible is full of accounts of folks bowing, dancing, crying, raising hands…all in prayer! Once, While Jesus was praying his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground! Luke 22:43-44. If someone’s confused, they should ask questions. If they’re angry, there should be yelling! Whether said while kneeling beside a bed, walking along a street, driving on the freeway or taking a morning shower, prayer is to be genuine. There is no prerequisite posture. It is a child and a Father, talking.
Sometimes prayers end with a little word:”Amen”. That tiny word holds a big meaning: So Be It! Let It Be So! Make It So! So, prayer is not passive. Prayer is never therapy, distraction, catharsis, or wishful thinking. It is inherently active and productive. Jesus insisted that prayer actually works. He told this story: “There was an evil judge who hated people and God. Suffice it to say, he was not eaily swayed. “But, if he was bugged enough, he would grant anything to anyone…just because he was fed up. ‘If jerks respond this way, then how much more will a loving, powerful, intimate Father quickly respond to the prayers of his precious people?” Luke 18:1-8. Of course prayer works, Jesus insisted. It is faith expressed. It is blue-collar spirituality. It is a hug from a father and a construction crew meeting all in one. It is a classroom. And the subject is reality. Prayer accomplishes. Prayer is the ridiculous being born. Like moving Mount Everst with a word. “
