As we grow in Christian maturity, we come to understand that prayer to God is not transactional or quid pro quo, though there is no shortage of preachers of a prosperity gospel that would have you think that is the case. If you pray the right prayer with the right words to the right person of the Trinity, then blessings of all kinds will be yours, especially the material kind. History is strewn with disappointed and disillusioned believers who discover that God does not work that way. As a seminary professor told us years ago, God is not a “cosmic gumball machine” in which you put in your prayer and out comes your blessing. There is no power in that kind of prayer, only disappointment ultimately.
On the other hand, healthy power in prayer begins with the daily recognition and confession that God is God, and we are not. It starts with a stance of humility that recognizes and thanks God for our daily life and opportunity to be in relationship with the God who loves us unconditionally, stands with us steadfastly, and works for all good in the world (Romans 8:28). God is the rock upon which we can confidently build our daily lives, trusting that the carpenter helping with the construction takes great pride and delight in his work. With him we stand on a sure foundation, able to withstand and prevail through the wind, rain, storms, and death that blow through our lives. That is our resurrection hope and reality – a different kind of power, and power indeed! My daily work is to ground myself through scripture and contemplation with the prayer to stay in the presence and mindfulness of Christ throughout my day and then pray the same for a world that needs that same presence and mindfulness.
In speaking to Cammy, General Conference has begun with an overall positive hopefulness of what can be accomplished this time around. The Spirit seems to be moving as so many have prayed. Cammy herself has been moved to tears by emailed prayers that several of you have sent her. She has felt the love and the encouragement for that arduous work. If you would like to bring a smile and maybe a tear to my wife’s eyes, you can email her at cammygaston1221@gmail.com.
For everything that so many are praying for in this General Conference and in our world, thank you. I join you in that, and I will leave it to God to decide which prayer gets which gumball.
Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,
