The What, Why, How, Purpose,and Meaning of Prayer: Part 2

Last night, I went to a bonfire out by Taylor Lake with my Lighthouse team members who I went to Paraguay with. Let me tell you, it was so good to see all of them and come together as one group/body again. We went to Paraguay in January so it has been four months since that life-altering experience. We rarely get together anymore so it was incredibly uplifting to catch up with everyone again. And as I was reminiscing and talking to Sam, one of my team members, about Paraguay, it reminded me of prayer, specifically the power of prayer. You see, Sam and I were a team in Paraguay.

The first village we visited was Puerto Barra. As we pulled into the village, we were immediately greeted and followed by the Ache people. It seemed almost instantly that they warmed up to us and adopted us as members of their village. Their compassion, peace, and joy was and still is unmatched by any other group of people I have met. And the kids, oh man, the kids were amazing. Sweet, loving, compassionate, peaceful, joyful, adorable, eager. All characterize these people. And we got to know them really well in the three days we were with them. But the story I want to tell happened on the last day we were there. The Ache let us kind of take over the church service so we sang some songs in English and Ache and then I got up and preached from Luke 12 in English, which was then translated to Spanish and then Ache. And after the church service, Sam, who knew Spanish very well, and I went around to the Ache people and asked if we could pray for them. We were leaving in a couple hours and we did not want to leave them without again telling them about Jesus Christ. We must have prayed for 4 or 5 different families and individuals. At the end of each prayer session, all were in tears, Sam and I included. The Ache were so grateful for that simple act of compassion and love. I mean it was a simple prayer that some of them probably couldn't even understand because my Spanish especially was so bad. But that name. The name of Jesus Christ was heard in our prayers. And I think it was heard in their hearts as well.

So why do I say all that? Because I believe in the power of prayer. I believe that prayer is one of, if not the most powerful tools of ministry God has given us. Prayer has affected so many people for the glory of God. Just look at the Book of Psalms. You know what the psalms really are? Prayers or prayers meant to be sung. And even still today the Psalms are being read, meditated on, interpretted, and used to show people the obsessive, heartfelt love humans have for God. Prayer is such a powerful and simple tool to use that sometimes we take it for granted. The impact a simple prayer can have on someones day or even future can be unfathomable. We may never know the reprocutions or reverburations of our actions but if we step out in faith and trust that God will work through even our simple prayers for people, we will be astounded at the glory we will be able to bring Christ.

So, don't discount the power of prayer. If you, if I, simply take the initiative and time to pray over someone, it can make a world of difference for them. A prayer can tell them that somebody out there cares enough about them to say a few words to the Big Guy on their behalf. It doesn't need to be eloquent or full of big church words and phrases. It just need to be from the heart. From a heart bursting and bubbling over with the love of Christ that it has to pour it out on someone. Sometimes, a prayer can show that love in a fresh, creative way that will stick with a person for eternity. Don't be scared. Use prayer as a weapon as you and as I continue to storm the gates of hell. Amen.

The What, Why, How, Purpose,and Meaning of Prayer: Part 1

Today, Pastor Steve DeNeff talked about prayer, specifically prayer in the Spirit. And it got me thinking. So, this week I want to focus and meditate on prayer. Though I don't really understand prayer, in all honesty, I do want to dive into it this week and see where I come out. And to make sure I don't forget any thoughts or revelations I receive, I want to record how everything goes with prayer this week. First, my initial thoughts and perceptions about prayer. Some are original and some are stolen/borrowed. All are hopefully based upon Scripture. Ok, here we go.

Prayer. What a concept! What a gift! As I heard Dwight Knight say, prayer is the conversation between God and a subordinate. Interesting, I know. From that definition, Jesus never prayed. Technically. Rather, Jesus conversed and talked to His Abba Father but never prayed. I know to some that may sound like heresy because our translations of the Bible flat out say that Jesus prayed. Just so you know I really don't know I how feel about what Dwight said but it is an interesting idea, wouldn't you say? And maybe he's onto something. Who knows? Just think about it.

Next. What if prayer is more about us than about God? Believe me, I know and recognize the importance of praying to God and making a joyful noise to the Lord. I know about how important it is to live your life as a prayer, as the euphemism goes. I get that and I certainly think that is important. However, what if the purpose of prayer is primarily for us? Let me explain briefly. Maybe God created the concept of prayer for us because we humans have two basic needs: relationship and ultimate purpose. People like to talk. Especially about themselves or other people. And people also need to feel like there is something bigger than them out there. We need to feel like we are important and our lives are not entirely in our control, even if we want it to be sometimes. We want to believe that there's Something else out there. So, maybe God created prayer because we need to talk to our Creator. Maybe God created prayer for us to cast all of our worries, frustrations, concerns, and joys upon Him. Maybe He created prayer so that we can experience a glimpse of our future relationship with him in a way we can understand and enjoy. Maybe.

One more. I heard this from a sermon John Piper gave on prayer. To pray without ceasing to him meant to leave your cell phone or AIM screenname on at all times. That way, you can receive or send a message at all times. Thus, may I never stop praying. Why would I want to anyways? I have an open connection with my Father, the Creator of the Universe, who I love with all that I am. Why wouldn't I take advantage of that? And even still, His Spirit talks to Him too on my behalf. Those things I can't express or put into words, the Holy Spirit takes care of it and tells the Father. So, may I continually pray in the Spirit because, after all, as Paul said, I have no idea what I am supposed to pray for. Grace and Peace.

A Letter from War

No, I'm not referring to Mark Schultz's Letters from War, although that is a good song. I just wanted to share and remember something I wrote to my roommate, who coincidentally is sitting 3 feet away from me as I write this, in a last ditch effort to get to him. You see, we have lived together for two years now and though we are alike in many ways, we are very different in many ways as well. I mean when you live with someone, you get to see a different side of them. My roommate and I have slowly grown apart, especially this year. Perhaps being at war is a bit of an exaggeration, but we are just two very different people with very different values and goals in life. So, this was my last attempt to try and present my faith to him. Take a look.

"Anyways, my prayer for you as you leave Taylor and move on with the rest of your life is simple: Live Everyday for Forever. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, actually, its not. Let me explain very briefly.

To live everyday for forever means that you never take one moment for granted. It means that you are completely aware that God may have something to reveal to you in this moment and you wouldn't miss it for the world. To live everyday for forever means that you don't just skate through life like it's compeltely up to you. Because ultimately its not. It means that you pray like it's all depending on God and live as if it's all depending on you. It means that you simply want a piece, a part in God's story so bad that you are constantly putting yourself in a position, a posture to be used by God in His grand story.

To live everyday for forever means that you have a view and a hope for the future glory that drives everything you do. It means that you realize that the new humanity is a body, a church, a people that are connected not necessarily by race, ethnicity, age, or language but by Jesus Christ who holds everything and everyone together. It means that because you believe in this new humanity, you are not remaining quiet. You are not staying silent. It means that instead, you are storming the gates of hell because you know that Christ has given us the keys to the kingdom of heaven. It means that you know Christianity is a verb, not a noun and that this body, this church that you belong to is a movement, not an institution or building with a cross on top of it.

To live everyday for forever means that you realize that we are living in an incredibly fertile and opportunistic time because the glimpse of the coming kingdom of God has been brought down, it has been inaugurated with Jesus Christ. Because you believe this, your faith has moved from knowledge and trust to action. Why? Because you can't contain yourself. It means that you have to somehow let this energy, this potential, this inertia out of you that has been building up in you. It means that you have to do something about the relentless love, power, and revelation you have experienced. You don't have a choice, it's completely out of your hands now. You HAVE TO let it out.

To live everyday for forever means that you don't want to be caught just sitting around doign nothing because you know Jesus could come back at any minute. And you are so obsessed with Him that you would rather be with His people showing His love, being His body, or living out your faith or on your knees in concentrated, fulfilling prayer to Him than doing nothing. It means that your obsession with Him may lead to hardship and struggles, which may lead to lack o food and drink. But the amazing thing about our God is this: He has freely given up His body, the bread of life, and blood for us. He has even told us that if we come to Him, we will never thirst again. To live everyday for forever means that you are constantly remembering and taking part in the Eucharist because you need Jesus. You want His essence to be a part of your essence. You need His body and blood to satisfy you and wash you white as snow. Why? So you can live everyday for forever. Amen.

From Plagerism to Lesbians to Isaiah

Isaiah 62:1,6-7 "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth."

The current title, "Notes from a Watchman," is the third title I have had for this blog in the 30 hours or so that I have had it. Pathetic, I know. You see, the thing about me is this: I am a impulsive passionist. That's how I would describe myself at least. When I want something, I want it now. I don't want to look for better deals or wait until I have the money for it or sit around wondering what it would be like to have that. I don't beat around the bush, so to speak. I am straight to the point and brutally, or passionately, honest with anyone and everyone. One more thing about me: I am very opinionated. I have a lot of opinions and I am certainly not afraid to voice them. Whether that is a bad thing or a good thing, I don't know. I think a little of both.

So, this blog is my new thing. And I think this could be something I really enjoy. I love to write, to encourage, to teach, to admonish, and to spill my guts I guess you could say. Again, weird, I know. But, I think being an impulsive passionist and having a love for writing, well about the important stuff anyways, like JESUS, has led to me changing my title three times in 30 hours.

My first title was "Ramblings and Utterances." I liked it. Eloquent, but mysterious at the same time. Perfect title. The only thing was that someone else I knew used the word ramblings in their title. I couldn't plagerize his word, if that makes any sense. It just wouldn't be right.

Then my second title was "Whispers in the Wind." Again, eloquent and mysterious at the same time. In the description, I tied in the Greek word pnuema which is used for the Holy Spirit in the Bible and is translated as wind or breathe in English. But, at the same time, it did sound a little, how do I put this lightly, feminine and nostalgic. Just because I was curious, I googled "Whispers in the Wind." Guess what I found? Whispers in the Wind is actually an old book written by a guy named Frankie Jones about two lesbian girls. So, being the very masculine man I am, this title just wasn't an option. Don't read into that, I don't hate lesbians. Take it easy.

Anyways, the title I have now is perfect. I love it in fact. It's original and all-encompassing and, I think, somewhat though-provoking. And what do you know, it was inspired by Scripture. God's just amazing like that though. He even cares about the little details and intricacies of life, like the title of a blog. That's just one of the many reason why I am absolutely CRAZY about Him. What a God I serve?

Wonder-seeking Rabbis

Abraham Joshua Heschel was a Jewish rabbi who lived during WWII. That one fact should astound you. He was a Jew and he actually lived through WWII. It was not without loss though. His entire family was killed by the Nazis in Germany. He escaped safely because he was a professor at Hebrew Union College. But, enough background info. If you would like to learn more about him, check him out on wikipedia or something or I strongly recommend you read his book I Asked for Wonder. It's sweet. But this guy said once, and I don't have the actual quote, but it goes something like this..."I did not seek to gain human understanding or knowledge, but instead I asked for wonder from God." Now, stop reading and think about that for a minute.

Let go of your preconceived notions about Judaism. After all, truth is truth. If you're still skeptic, read the Bible, especially Paul's letters. Paul pulls out truth and puts it in his letters wherever he can find it. But this blog entry is not about truth so that's as far as I'll go today. Maybe someday I'll go into more detail about that. Til then, read Paul's letters and Rob Bell also has said some stuff about that too.

"I asked for wonder..." I thought this was a fitting concept to think about to start this blog. There's nothing wrong with seeking knowledge, don't get me wrong. Seek the wisdom and direction of the Holy Spirit, who is by the way crazy, unpredictable, and not afraid to put you in uncomfortable, scary, awkward situations. Rather, I ask the question, what would happen if we actually asked God for wonder? What would happen if we actually asked God to reveal to us His power and love? What would happen if we actually asked God to blow us away with His wonder, even if that meant for us confusion, uncertainty, and risk?

So many times, we live like we don't even appreciate or dare I say respect God's wonder. What if we actually gave ourselves over to God's wonder rather than trying to figure everything out? I don't necessarily have the answers. I guess I'm more or less simply dreaming. But still, ask yourselves those questions.

I don't want this to turn into a novel so I'll leave with this thought. May I, may you, may we, give ourselves over to the wonder of God so that maybe, just maybe, we may hear the whispers and utterances from the One who is always Faithful.