okay, done with this one. what’s next?
I’ve written before (here and here and here….okay, a lot) about prayer. I don’t get how it works. I don’t always believe that it works. I don’t know why I get yes answers to some things and silence to others and no answers to others. I don’t know what God causes and what he allows. I’m skeptical and cynical about other people’s God-is-awesome Facebook status updates “claiming the victory” for continual blessings.
Since you’ve tolerated my ramblings on this subject (oh yes, there are more……here, and here, and here), I wanted to let you know I finally figured out my theology on this subject:
I don’t understand it. I probably won’t understand it in this lifetime. I’m still suspicious if you claim to understand it. But I believe Jesus is real and He’s listening.
That’s all I’ve got.
One moment someone whispers, “Thank you.”
Just then another heart cries, “How could you?”
And Jesus, who sees us,
He says, “I hear you.”
“I’m near you.”
It may be miles and miles before the journey’s clear
There may be rivers, maybe oceans of tears
But the very hand that shields your eyes from understanding
Is the hand that will be holding you for miles
7 Comments »
Leave a comment
Jennifer Taylor
My Other Sites
Two thoughts:
I have a FB friend who often writes about how wonderful her husband is. I believe her because I know her husband well. He is a great guy. So why this skepticism and cynicism when someone writes something great about God or what he has done?
Second, and at the risk of sounding pretentious: lex orandi lex credendi est.
Matt, I always like your comments.
Re: thought one, I think we as Christians have a tendency to interpret situations the way we want to, and we are quick to attach motives to God. So to your point, because of past disappointments in how God has dealt with my prayers, I read others’ rhapsodies about answered prayer with skepticism.
However, others are equally guilty of having their own preconceived opinions, and I do think on the flip side of it that those who have not struggled with these questions are quick (too quick?) to play the God card. Empty parking spot? Thank you Jesus for your favor! Headache went away after I took aspirin? God is awesome!
Re: thought two, I think there is truth that “the rule of prayer is the rule of faith.” Our actions can ultimately shape our beliefs rather than the other way around. But I haven’t stopped praying. That channel is open and God can change my beliefs about prayer even as I’m engaged in it. I guess this post is just saying I’m not going to agonize about it anymore if he chooses not to show up that way.
Sounds like you’ve been reading Philip Yancey.
Disappointments produce cynicism – understandable. People who have never yelled into God’s silence may not understand this perspective. Glad to hear you have some peace.
At the risk of overdoing it with the song references, here’s another one I almost quoted from. I think Andrew Peterson is one of the best singer/songwriters today.
And thank you, I appreciate your thoughts as well.
Thanks for sharing your journey. I really like what your dad said.
Hey Jennifer, I really enjoyed your thoughts on prayer here. I’m with you – a hopeful skeptic who just can’t believe everything is as great as those super-cheery Christians say it is. But I know that God is good and will work it all out for good in the end, even if I can’t see it today.