Prayer in an effeciency-driven society

In one of his latest books, God's Companions: Reimagining Christian Ethics, Sam Wells reflects on the value of prayer in helping Christians identify sin. He writes, "an ability to identify and name sin is an indication that other aspcects of prayer are healthy: if thanksgiving is plentiful, pride is likely to be the more easily identified," (Wells, 86). When Christians thank God continually they are less apt to consider their own works and successes as the result of their own efforts. A life without thanksgiving is a life centered on the self. The sin of pride takes over without thanksgiving. For when we fail to recognize gifts and gains in relationship to God, we begin to believe the false narrative of the self-made person. Therefore, Christians are called to develop a life centered in prayers of thanksgiving. For through such prayers, our moral life is formed around the giftedness of God.

Wells also takes note how hard it is to pray in a 'fast food' world. Our society is built around the notion that time is a commoditity. We must use our time in the most effecient means possible. In such a fast paced world, we may lose the ability to be still before God. The scriptures attest to a savior in Jesus Christ who rhythmically took time for prayer in the midst of great needs from the people around him. Like Christ, we Christians are called to carve out time for our God. Developing the rhythm of prayer will take some adjusting. Wells rightly points out that, "becoming the kind of person who can be silent before God means realigning one's notions of efficiency, of productivity, and of time in general," (Wells, 87).

Wells also speaks to the sin of service without contemplation. When disciples serve without remembering to pray, we lose focus of Christ's activity in the world. Wells writes, "for the disciples who do not trust that God in Christ has reconciled the world to himself will never pause long enough to contemplate because they assume that the reconciliation must come from them," (Wells, 87). Without a continual reminder of Christ's activity in the world, discipleship can slip into humanism or the idea that we humans can save the world on our own. Salvation is always the work of Christ. The rhythm of prayer, though it may seem like a waste of time to the world, will remind us of a living Christ at work in the world through the Holy Spirit. As a Methodist, I name Christ's activity in the world as prevenient grace. May our prayers always return us to the source of all goodness, the living God from whom all blessings flow.

Holy Innocence

Today I watched a young child with his mother at our church. The child kept pressing the button to the elevator. He'd giggle each time he pressed it. His mother kept trying to pursuade him to quit pressing the button. This child, maybe 4 years old, dodged his mother and watched in amazement each time the doors to the elevator opened. He kept laughing. I thought to myself, "I wish I could get excited about an elevator." It reminded me that children inhabit a world of wonder and amazement. They see the world imaginatively.

I remember about 4 years ago, I viewed ministry in a very similar way. I stood amazed when I lead in acts of worship and taught Bible studies. The wonder of the moment was still filled to capacity. I still see the grace in ministry as I lead God's people in prayer and studies. But maybe these task have become too domestic of late. O, God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, help me see ministry again with the eyes of a child.