As I See It…

The apostle Paul puts it this way: …they worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator. The Puritan’s expression is: May I never seek in the creature what may be found only in the Creator.

I suppose that little thought is given by the average Bible-believing evangelical about idol/creature worship. The very expression is considered repugnant to us. On the other hand, I wonder if we have a problem with idol/creature worship when we pray. I think, once again, that the Puritans may have hinted at something here. If you take time to evaluate your prayer life and the content of your praying, are you expecting God to answer the request, or do you think that the need may be met more horizontally?

First, is the prayer request genuinely heavenly oriented? The Lord taught us to pray that way: “Our Father, who is in heaven…give us this day our daily bread…” When the prayer is offered, do we sincerely expect that God will supply the need or are we praying in the ear shot of others we think have the means to help and maybe they’ll take our prayerful hint? Horizontal or vertical expectations?

Second, is your prayer request limited by what you see as your resources or limited by God’s resources? Since God’s resources are limitless, choosing the latter would be the obvious response. However, think about your claims/requests to your heavenly Father, do you see him supplying your needs in Christ Jesus or based upon your checking account? Horizontal or vertical expectations?

Third, are you content to allow the Lord to answer your prayer, or do you think he needs your help? You realize that the Lord knows your needs before you ask him, but do you realize that he really doesn’t need your help in meeting either your needs or those of another person for whom you are praying? Horizontal or vertical expectations?

Fourth, when the prayer request has been answered (to your liking or not!), do you take the time to express your gratitude to the Lord for the answer or do you treat the response with a non-descript sigh of relief? Horizontal or vertical expectations?

Paul and the Puritans had it right. Somehow, though, their teaching never quite made it to our prayer life. The next time you pray, check your expectations.

Pastor Megilligan