How does one speak about prayer along with many who have made such attempts over thousands of years? Since this issue of the Lake Union Herald addresses the issue of early childhood education, I thought I would bring into consideration the possibility of how our various seasons of life might inform our prayer life.
How does one speak about prayer along with many who have made such attempts over thousands of years? Since this issue of the Lake Union Herald addresses the issue of early childhood education, I thought I would bring into consideration the possibility of how our various seasons of life might inform our prayer life. The words of Paul above demonstrate that lifespan influences ways of being, including our prayer life. Equally important, how I understand God will influence how I pray. Thus, both the aging process and the ways I understand God influence my prayer life. And I am so thankful for this.
Let me give you an example from the life of Jesus. Perhaps two places in His life (and there are more) are best known for prayer. The first, typically known as “The Lord’s Prayer,” is offered by some gospel writers during the early stages of His public ministry. And by one account, this prayer is offered after being prompted by a question. The second prayer, captured by John (Chapter 17) is offered within the shadow of the cross, at the end of His public ministry. Both prayers reflect where Jesus is in his ministry space and his life space. Thus, both are not quite the same kind of prayer. The first is offered with great simplicity and fewer words. The second, after doing life with His disciples for the past three years, reflects the complexity of His life with them … and as He considers His impending death. This is why I find formulas for prayer so problematic: prayer as a way of being reflects both our internal world and our outer world and not some formula. There are times when formulas may be helpful but ultimately, prayer reflects life and believe me when I say, life is not a formula.
The beauty of Jesus’ two prayers is that they reflect room for both kinds — a simpler worded approach and one that is much more complex and brings into view those things that are coming down the pike. Jesus’ second prayer reflects the urgency of one who knows the end is near. With that backdrop of His end being near, He prays for those He’s shared life with. They are foremost on His heart and all who they represent — those who come after their testimony. His prayer brings into focus the past, the present and the future.
The life of prayer brings together the fullness of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and is influenced by the front end of life and ministry as well as the back end. This life of prayer remains fluid and yet constant. Pray away through those tides of life. He is near.
John Grys is president of the Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
