Have
Christian men become afraid to pray? Has
it been deemed merely a pastoral responsibility? During a recent mission trip, I was astonished
by the refusal of adult men to pray over the locals we were ministering to, and
even over meals. When translators asked
for volunteers to pray with the families we met, the great majority of men never
stepped up. Even when asked directly - “Would
one of the men like to pray this time?” – the response was a shuffle of feet
and blank stares. Christian men, who had
led youth to a third world country as their chaperone or father, were quick to
paint houses but hesitant to speak with our God. This is both tragic and terrifying.
I see godly
men around me, and abroad, who are eager to communicate with our heavenly
Father. They are not ashamed to lift up
praises and requests. In the preschool where I work, even the 2 year old children became enthusiastic volunteers to pray before snack and lunch. So sweet! However, the trend
I saw on that mission trip spurred me on to reflection. This past year I have witnessed women
gathering together to pray intentionally over children, missionaries, and
churches. I have not seen this same dependence
on God from men. My viewpoint is
limited, of course, and prayer is not meant to be a public spectacle. I am also not speaking from any level of
superiority or expertise (quite the opposite).
Still, I would like to encourage my brothers in Christ because I do not
think these are merely isolated events. May
we cling to the truth of these reminders, and respond in boldness.
Our God is Personal
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for
you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
God is
not an impersonal force who is indifferent to our thoughts, concerns, joys and
desires. For those who surrender their
lives in faith to Christ, God is a heavenly Father. Prayer with him is a privilege; the God of
the universe wants to hear from us as his children! He is all-knowing, and yet he wants us to be
joined with him in this intimate way.
For our relationship with God to be nurtured, communication is key – we see
this in our earthly relationships as well.
If you’re afraid to be open with God, you’re turning aside from the most
powerful and unique relationship anyone will ever encounter.
Prayer is not a Performance
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25
Paul and
Silas were overheard by others, but their prayers and songs from prison were
directed to God. They were conversing
with God through praises and petitions, coming before him humbly and audibly - and
God’s response was amazing! Whether
alone, with one other person, or an entire group, our prayers are to God. Jesus gives instructions concerning prayer
when the disciples ask him, and it’s a matter of sincerity and love for God (not a
graded assignment). Women may generally
be more verbal creatures, but for all of us, confidence and maturity in prayer grows
through practice and study of God's Word.
Men are Spiritual
Leaders
"I urge that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people…I desire then that in
every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling."
1 Timothy 2:1-8
As your
sisters in Christ, we hope to be the helpers God wired us to be. In order for this to happen, we need you to
lead. We’re not concerned with your
eloquence, but with your genuine efforts.
Cast aside fear and laziness, and put on selflessness and devotion
(Ephesians 4:22-24). Pray fervently in
your private time with God, but also lead the church in praying together. Praise God for who he is, and thank God for
how he is at work. Confess your sins to
him. Pray over the needs of others and
yourself. Pray that God be glorified in
all things, and lead other believers to do the same.
Abraham,
Isaac and Moses prayed. Nehemiah
prayed. Jesus prayed. The early church prayed. There are mysteries and struggles involved, but
let us do the same - praying specifically and praying BIG. May we love God and love others through
prayer!
A few scriptural references to prayer -- Nehemiah 1, Luke
11:1-13, Acts 4:23-31 & 12:1-17, Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 6:18-20,
Philippians 4:6-7 (also, see the book of Psalms for many prayers interspersed)
Jamie! I love reading your posts. Thank you for your honesty & encouragement in many of them & for pointing out things that we often set aside or forget about altogether, that we don't place enough importance on at times. Even ones like this one that are "meant for" men still have a message for all of us. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynn! :)
ReplyDelete