So what is the point of prayer?

So over the last few days, we’ve looked at some natural responses to bad news.

Why?

Because we’re looking at the book of Nehemiah and in Nehemiah chapter 1, he receives some really bad news.

“Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”  Nehemiah 1:3

And his response?

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.  Nehemiah 1:4

Understandable. Crying. Grieving. Unable to eat.

But prayer? What’s the point of prayer? What difference can prayer possibly make? What makes him think God is listening or will act or answer his prayer? How does prayer work? Or rather, does prayer work?

This question is still as relevant as ever. People still pray. It’s like they can’t help themselves. It’s a natural response, praying to a God you don’t believe in. And yet in the back of everyone’s minds, the question remains – ‘What is the point of prayer?’

People who believe in God believe also in prayer. They don’t understand it either but they know it’s important so they come up with explanations. They get people to share how God has answered their prayers. They explain away unanswered prayer. They try 24/7 prayer and prayer triplets and having a set time for prayer and praying in numbers…….And prayer seems to boil down to asking God for things and getting the answers we want.

And just look at this – how relevant is the whole topic of prayer in the States right now?

 In a BBC news blog – After a mass shooting, politicians ‘shamed’ for offering prayers – the issue of prayer is really examined in the political arena. After this horrific, inexplicable incident, some Republicans send thoughts and prayers, while Democrats are calling for action and reviewing of gun laws.

Amidst the news of a mass shooting in California, a lively debate erupted on Twitter over the power and utility of offering “prayers” in the wake of such an event.

The issue is that those who are quick to offer prayers are slow to embrace gun reform, which is seen as a major factor in such incidents.

“Your “thoughts” should be about steps to take to stop this carnage. Your “prayers” should be for forgiveness if you do nothing – again,” tweeted Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat.

Some involved in the debate allow that prayer is not entirely irrelevant in our day and age –

 “To be clear: Offering prayers is not the problem. They can be a balm and a sign of good will. But politicians’ actions are relevant too,” wrote the science fiction writer John Scalzi.

A balm? A sign of good will? Is that it?

“Guys. Don’t mock the sincere offering of prayers. Mock legislative inaction or hypocrisy. But offering a prayer is not offering NOTHING,” wrote Ana Marie Cox, a left-leaning pundit who is public about her faith.

Offering a prayer is not offering nothing? So what is it then?

I’ve been thinking a lot about prayer, a lot about what I am going to say about prayer.

Because I too believe that prayer is important, but I struggle to explain what it is and how it works….

So I’ve been thinking. I talk about ‘my relationship with God’. It’s a relationship. Not just like my other relationships obviously, but a relationship.

My relationships and friendships all thrive on spending time with people. Getting to know them, sharing experiences, chatting away about this and that. Occasionally, I ask them for stuff. I ask them to help me out or do something practical for me. Sometimes, it’s just enough that they know what I’m going through and are there beside me.

I have one relationship which is not like that. One of my children really only does contact me when she wants something. Money. Food. A lift. A meal out. Clothes…….There is no attempt to spend time with me for the sake of spending time with me. Every interaction is transactional. I often say no. And to her, this is proof that I do not love her.

I don’t want my relationship with God to be like that. To just be about asking for things and assessing whether He loves me or even exists by the response. I want it to be a relationship. I want prayer to be spending time with God. As simple as that. Getting to know Him and Him getting to know me. Sharing experiences with Him. Chatting away about this and that. And yes, occasionally asking Him to help me out or give me advice or whatever I need in any given situation. But mainly, to know that He knows and is with me and standing by me. That’s what I want prayer to look like.

And prayer is not just words. It often leads to action. Every time I pray, I have to be prepared to be the answer to my own prayer.

Prayer isn’t about inviting God into a situation. He is already there. It’s not about pleading with Him to come down and intervene. He was already there long before I showed up. It’s about opening my eyes to the presence of God at work and asking how I can join in.

We’ll look at Nehemiah’s prayer tomorrow. It has a lot to teach us.

But don’t lose heart. Don’t give up on prayer. Maybe consider what you think prayer is and maybe amend your definition, but don’t stop talking to God. Don’t make it all about asking and Him answering. Simply don’t stop spending time with Him.

It’s a relationship.

The most important relationship.

This one will last forever.