The Idolatry of Prayer
One thing Christians say and hear a lot is that when things are going on or we are dealing with situations, we should just pray about it.
Praying is a very important part of our faith walk.
There’s just one question, though::
What is our motive for praying?
Really deep down, why are we praying?
Is it:
Because we’re supposed to?
Because we know God will probably help?
Because we have something we want God to do?
Because we want God to intervene in a situation and cause it to turn out the way we think it should?
Or, is it because we know God is our only hope and that He is the only one who can handle the situation so that it turns out the way it should?
In that moment when we’re about to pray, do we slow down enough to acknowledge God and know He’s our only hope?
Do we see and know that it is going to Him that makes the difference?
Do we realize and accept that His way of handling the situation may mean things turn out exactly opposite of how we want them?
Are we okay with that?
I think sometimes prayer can become an idol*.
When things go bad or there is a catastrophe we know to pray.
We say things about the importance of praying as if it is the prayer that is going to change it.
Praying in times of trouble is important – truly sincere prayer makes a big difference.
But, what matters is what prayer does.
What does prayer do? Why does it make a difference?
Prayer invites God the Father into the situation.
When we pray, we are asking Him to intervene and help the situation turn out the way that is best – the way God would have it to be.
The way that brings Him the most glory.
Praying is conversation with the One Who created the universe and everything in it.
It’s communication with the Lover of Our Souls and asking Him to act on our behalf.
When we focus on praying – saying words without focusing on God, the One we are praying to – we miss the point.
We make the act of prayer the main point instead of focusing on reaching out to the One we are praying to.
When we do this, we make prayer an idol.*
It becomes something we look to, and put our trust in, instead of leaning on Christ to help us.
It is important we stop and focus our heart on the Lord before we pray, remembering that while prayer is an absolute necessity and can greatly change things, it’s not just something we do.
It is going to the Great God of the Universe and asking Him to help.
It is humbling ourselves before Him, admitting we serve Him and cannot handle this situation without Him.
It is communicating and fellowshipping with Our Heavenly Father, the only hope we have.
As we go to God in prayer, let us always take a moment to stop, examine our motive and attitude before beginning.
That small pause will help us to align our hearts and minds with Him so we can focus on what really matters, Him, instead of our list of wants/needs/desires.
That small pause can be all the difference between seeing God as a resource accessed by throwing out some words and seeing Him as what He is – the Holy One who loves us and wants to help us.
May we always see Him correctly.
What about you? When you pray do you focus on God and His love for us? Or, do you get caught up in the moment and give Him a one-sided speech about what you want?
How can you improve it?
*Idol – anything that take importance over God in our lives.
It’s anything in our lives we think is more important to us than God.
Anything that takes our time or focus to the exclusion of worshiping and obeying God is an idol.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)