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The magazine cover showed a worn lady, hands out, in a pleading position
with the words: “Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and
answer me.” That’s a heart-rending petition. Behind her
can be seen part of what must be a crowd of others, perhaps in one of the
world’s many refugee centers, each one making petition. |
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The lead article was entitled, Our prayers, God’s responses, by
Richard Goetz with responses by Roberta Bondi and Thomas Parker, widely
known theologians. |
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I said, “Aha, maybe an answer to one of Christendom’s nagging problems.
I made a cup of tea and stole a sugar cookie from Jean’s collection. |
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When you think about it - and that’s the problem, thinking - petitionary
prayer is a kind of begging God (or whatever Force one wishes to call upon)
to do what an all powerful, all knowing, benevolent Being should already
have done without prompting. |
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The main article took a half cup of tea. The responses took the other
half. There was still a half cookie to go down dry. |
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My readers know that I generally am cynical about the assumptions of religion.
When a lady of faith promises me a sunny day for an outdoor memorial service
because she was going to pray for it, I flippantly responded, “While you’re
at it would you mind asking God to heal Rwanda?” As it turned out the sun
honored our memorial service and the slaughter continued in Rwanda. |
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That’s the kind of problem we have with petitionary prayer. I tend
not to go public with attempts at it. |
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Then there’s the other hand. |
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I know for a fact that lots of people pray petitionary prayers who don’t
believe in anything. When situations get drastic, we appeal to whatever
powers may be. We even welcome others joining in our behalf.
The author of the article was moved to tears by news of friends petitioning
for his healing from cancer. Of course, he claimed belief, and maybe
it worked since he lived at least long enough to do the article. |
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Yes, people pray - believers or not - when there is need. |
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Someone says that “Prayer is the heart’s deepest desire.” It doesn’t
need to be expressed. Even Jesus is quoted as urging people to “Ask…Seek…Knock.”
There is truth to the notion that one can’t get what is not sought after.
To identify need and desired result helps us focus intent and recognize
result. Furthermore, we dare not underestimate the invisible energy
system that flows between people and across vast distances. I never
hesitate to “give it a shot” when I feel an urge to send support to someone
with need. This, in spite of my failure to see the sense of it. |
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My conclusion is that rational people can’t believe in it, but that we
all do it anyway. Whether it is to contribute to God’s thinking or
to add our energy to the side of what seems good, it is good to make petition.
It is dangerous not to do so. The scholars didn’t help at all.
They end up bickering. Say your prayers anyhow. |
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— Art Morgan, August 2001
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