Proper 24 - Genesis 32: 3 – 8, 22 – 30; Psalm 121; II Timothy 3: 14 – 4: 5; Luke 18: 1 – 8a
Given at Trinity Church, Mt. Vernon, IL
“Pray without ceasing”[1]…..
“Pray without ceasing”, because prayer changes things.
Luke asks us to consider the role of prayer in our walk with God by recording the parable[2] before us today, the “Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge”. Notice how Luke inserts a little editorial comment at the beginning of the parable, “Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.”[3] Luke really wants his readers to get the point of Jesus’ teaching!
The parable itself is straightforward enough….Jesus uses a rhetorical device called “lesser to greater”, in that He illustrates God’s willingness to hear and to answer prayer by using the image of the unjust judge, who “has no fear of God and no respect for anyone”.[4] As we hear the parable, the tale causes a response to well up within us, as we want to cry out, “If even the unjust judge hears the widow’s cry, then surely how much more will God – who is merciful, loving and just – will hear the cries of His people (His “chosen ones”).”
And so, what about the role of prayer in our lives?
As we consider the importance of prayer, of “praying without ceasing” (as St. Paul puts it), or our “need to pray always” (as we hear it in today’s Gospel), we ought to begin by looking at three misconceptions about prayer. Then, having examined these three negative aspects which often attend an outlook on prayer, we ought to supply a positive analysis of what a healthy prayer life looks like.
We begin with three misconceptions, or myths:
- Once a week is enough: Ever heard that one? It goes something like this, “I go to church every Sunday.” (Subtext is: “I’ve paid my dues, I’ve done ‘my bit’”.)
The temptation to make prayer a one-hour-per-week event is probably more common in liturgically structured churches like ours. Maybe it’s because we use a worship book from which our prayers are taken.[5] The wonderful Anglican “Book of Common Prayer” is essentially a book which is used to guide our common prayer life, that is, our worship which is conducted “in common” with others. - If I (ever) need God, I know where to find him: This approach to prayer makes God into a sort of “spiritual ATM machine”[6]….we put our “god card” into the prayer machine, punch in our special authorization code, insert our request, get an instant answer (the only kind which is acceptable), take the card out, and go on with life.
Ever run into a person like that? I have. Unfortunately, I’m afraid this approach to a relationship with God is all-too-common. - The clergy are closer to God: How often have I heard this idea (either subtly – or not-so-subtly – stated)? Somehow, many people think that a clergyperson – because they are called into a life of prayer and service, are closer to God because of that call. Somehow, people often think that clergy have a “hotline” to God. Or – closely associated with this idea is the notion that prayer is the “priest’s job” (subtext: “we don’t have to do it”).
- Relating to God is the aim of a good prayer life: Left to our own devices, we can easily relegate God to “ATM status”, treating God like some divine “sugar daddy” whose only role in life is to grant our desires.
But living a life of prayer encourages us to begin to see things as God sees them, and a reorientation in our outlook begins to ensue…pretty soon, we begin to look beyond our own self-interest into the wider concerns with which God is also concerned.[7]
It takes practice to live a life of prayer. - Balance in our prayer life: If cultivating a relationship to God is the aim of a good prayer life, then we can see from our human relationships that a balance in our conversing with God (for that’s what prayer is, essentially – conversing with God) is important.
For example, if we had a friend or family member who only spoke to us when they needed something, we’d get pretty tired of that in sort order, wouldn’t we? Don’t we have much healthier relationships with others if we offer praise and thanks for their kindnesses and generosity? Doesn’t praise of their character and attributes generate lots of goodwill and release the possibility of love between persons? Of course, it does.
The same thing is true of our relationship with God….essential ingredients in a healthy prayer life include:Adoration: Giving praise to God for His very being and attributes.
Confession: Admitting to God the many ways in which we fail to live up to
His standards, and asking for forgiveness for those failings, which hinder (or
even block) our relationship with Him.
Thanksgiving: Thanking God for the blessings that have been received from Him, by us and by others.
Supplication: Asking God to address needs that we – or others – have.
Listening: Observing silence during our prayer time, so that we have the ability to hear God speaking to us.[8]
If it helps you to remember these five points, remember “ACTSL”[9]….. - How/when to pray: Whenever! Prayer takes many forms, from formal settings
at regular times, to instantaneous, on-the-spot requests made in haste, and everything in between.
Regular prayer times: A regular prayer time can be quite valuable, and if you are new at this sort of prayer, then start slowly. At the beginning, if you are trying to cultivate this new discipline, then a devotional book with daily readings might be a good way to start.
Another way to get started would be to use some of the written prayers and thanksgivings in the Book of Common Prayer, pages 810 – 841. They can form the basis for your own prayer and meditation, and are excellent resources.
As time goes along, consider using the resources of the Book of Common Prayer which are available for the Daily Offices of Morning or Evening Prayer. Attendant to these services is a regular, methodical cycle of readings through the Bible.
Spontaneous prayer: Throughout the day, occasions will present themselves to give thanks to God for mercies received and graces given, either for yourself or for others. A silent or spoken short prayer might take the form of, “Lord, thank you for the rain we had this past week”, or “Gracious God, remember _______ who is in the hospital this morning.”
Consider committing things that you are about to do to God. I often do this, asking the Holy Spirit to come upon me as I begin to lead worship, speak with a person, enter a troubled situation, and so forth. In this way, all of life can be devoted to God’s purposes and guidance.
“Pray always” Our Lord reminds us today….For prayer changes things, mostly us, as we enter into deeper and deeper relationships with God.
AMEN.
[1] II Thessalonians 5: 17
[2] Luke is the only Gospel writer to include this parable.
[3] Luke 18: 1
[4] Verse 4
[5] Unfortunately, many people who are conversant with the Book of Common Prayer think it is an impossible task to be able to learn to prayer without the aid of written, formal prayers. That is the downside of using a worship resource like the Prayer Book.
[6] I am not trying to be disrespectful toward God, but to illustrate the attitude many have toward Him.
[7] It’s important to reiterate that God is deeply concerned with our lives and wellbeing, but He is concerned with other things and others’ wellbeing, as well.
[8] Prayer is not a one-way conversation!
[9] This acronym is drawn from the Jr. High youth weekend retreat called “New Beginnings”.
