Musings: Notes From My Daybook

Whether it is Paul’s “pray without ceasing” or the preacher’s call to be prayerful person, sometimes prayer seems so out of date and out of touch with an active, energetic life. More importantly, sometimes our experience with prayer leaves us with the idea that prayer does not really produce any measurable difference in our lives. I can hear someone saying, ‘I prayed for my co-worker to be more pleasant and it didn’t happen!”

So for those who sometimes wonder about whether prayer is for real and whether it “works,” then the important thing to remember is this. Prayer is not merely telling God what we need; prayer is also preparing us for what we need to receive.

A casual prayer thrown to the heavens in the rush out the door may not be what Paul meant. Or, to go at this from another direction, perhaps prayer is not so much about the request. After all, God already knows our needs. Maybe it isn’t the request that needs attention. Maybe it is the inner workings of our own heart and life that real prayer is called on to change. Could it be possible that God is really waiting on us to get our act together on some things?
Listen to Harry Emerson Fosdick: “This, then is the rationale of importunity in prayer, not that it is needed to coax God, but that it is needed alike to express and by expressing to deepen our eager readiness for the good we seek. Some things God cannot give to a man until the man has prepared and proved his spirit by persistent prayer. Such praying cleans the house, cleanses the windows, hangs the curtains, sets the table, opens the door, until God says, ‘Lo! The house is ready. Now may the guest come in (The Meaning of Prayer).’”

At least at one level, prayer is not so much about getting God’s attention. We already have his attention by the presence of his Spirit. Prayer is really more about getting our attention.