How We Trick Ourselves Out of Reality
The theologian Calvin suggested that prayer corresponds to livelihood in the way that it secures the necessary stuff of life. If we want to eat, we work. If we wish to receive specific blessings, we pray. Our failure to grasp the simplicity of this relationship hinges on our innate bias against things we can’t see.
But since we can’t trace the invisible threads of prayer causation, the practicality of the system remains a mystery to us. We work a 60-hour week and a check comes in the mail. In between, someone logs our hours. But in this case, we see the “inner” workings of the system and do not wonder if our labor is really effective. We don’t ask if the check was just a strange coincidence, or if, in short, we are just flailing underwater, trying to build an earthen palace, all our efforts doomed to failure. We don’t torture ourselves with the thought that the connection between our hours and our salary might be overlooked by the Man In The Office With A View.
But we can’t see the prayer system. So when we wear holes in our jeans and find our needs surprisingly met, we wonder if the prayer really caused it. Or when we pray one way, and something else happens, we second-guess the idea that an apparent “no” could really be an answer. In the end, we sideline this whole invisible provision system.
It’s silly. It may work, but you can’t see it. And we prefer to be able to connect the dots.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Invisible Provision System, Hidden Prayer
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3 comments:
I dig the post.
Should we not then say:
Althought the mind craves resolution, Submission to mystery equals humility.
or, to couch it another way:
We are finite; thus, we are not to understand all things. We must recognize our humanity.
Kibs, I think you have a point. Prayer is not a utilitarian exercise. However, we need to avail ourselves of a variety of pictures and analogies where prayer is concerned, and even then we won't fully comprehend it.
Jesus told stories about prayer featuring a father and children, a judge and a widow, a homeowner and a neighbor; all these are helpful, but ultimately it's still God with whom we have to deal. And while the transaction is indeed based on love, it's a love that flows from God to us - we're on the receiving end of this generous relationship.
And at the same time, prayer is still work, as Jesus and others (Paul, Peter) readily pointed out. Prayer is this mysterious relational connection between us and our heavenly Father that we have to labor to maintain... I wish it came more easily.
As far as knowing the mind of God, I think I agree with you. God doesn't intend for us to fully know his mind, although he's clearly revealed enough of it for us to live with great purpose. However, God knows our minds precisely - a somewhat frightening reality; and so, if we are "lovers" in relation to God, this love affair is hardly carried out on equal footing.
is a "no" answer to prayer just a "yes" to a prayer not yet prayed?
That's a good question...and one which varies according to the prayer, right? God's timing is perfect. But he will never answer my prayer for so-and-so to trip and fall on his face as he enters the office. My motive is part of the picture. Thanks for the evocative questions, kibs. I'm curious to hear any further thoughts you have.
overlyconscious, I like this phrase quite a bit:
Althought the mind craves resolution, Submission to mystery equals humility.
Well said.
thanks.
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