Several years ago, I heard a sermon where the pastor asked what we thought prayer was. His premise was that too often we use prayer like it is the great answering machine in the sky. We dail the Heaven-phone, it rings, and we leave a message. But before God can answer, we hang up and get on with our too-busy lives.

Is that what Christianity is about?

Is that what praying is about?

…or is there something more? Do we just leave snigglets of our life, or thanks or requests (which he already knows), as a message to God, never listening for an answer, never establishing a relationship? Or do we wait and listen for that still small voice?

Wait and listen?

It struck me recently that perhaps a relationsip with God is about listening as much as it is about praying. Somewhere in my reading I found this and copied it. I have no idea who wrote it but I hope it brings you encouragement.

“Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be...” “Yes?”
“Who said that?” “I did.”
“Who are you?” “Your Father.”
“You’re who, ..ah, ..what, ..ah, ..you, what are you doing here?“ “You called me.”
“No, I didn’t.” “Yes, you did. You said, “Our Father who art in Heaven.”
“Well, yes, I did, but you’re supposed to be in Heaven. What are you doing here?” “You called me. Here I am. What can I do for you?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know what comes next…you’re taking this all out of order.” “Sorry, please, go on.”
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.” “Do you mean that?”
“Mean what?” “The part about my name being hallowed?”
“I guess, ..I mean, sure. …It’s in the prayer.” “But you took my name in vain five times yesterday.”
“You’re counting?” “I hear everything.”
“Am I in trouble?” “I’m only asking. It was a commandment given several thousand years ago, so it’s not like you weren’t given advance notice. You may have heard of them. There are ten.”
“Oh, those. Yes, I see what you mean.” “Very well. I didn’t mean to interrupt. Go on.”
“I have to start over.” “I’m right here. You can talk to me, you know.”
“This is the only way I know how.” “I see. Please, go on, then. I’ll be right over here.”
“Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy...” “How about that one? Do you mean it?”
“What now?” “My Kingdom coming. What have you done to prepare for my Kingdom?”
“I’m saying this prayer.” “It’s a kingdom. It may take a little more than rote prayer.”
“I thought prayer was supposed to be all powerful. You know, move mountains. That sort of thing.” “Prayer is powerful because you’re talking to God. I move mountains. Faith moves mountains. But you’re here on earth so you can learn, and grow, and build.”
“So, you want me to build a kingdom?” “It’s your kingdom, too. You might remember the part about many mansions, my Father’s house, all of that?”
“Vaguely.” “One of those mansions is yours. Let’s build it together.”
“Look, I really don’t want to be rude, but this is some heavy stuff. I’m just tryna rattle off a prayer so I can get going. Can we do this later?” “We can do this any time you want. I’m always right here.”
“You are?” “Yes.”
“Again,I don’t want to come off rude, but that creeps me out. Were you here last night?” “Yes.”
“Then you saw…“ “Yes. I see everything.”
“Good God.” “That’s six.”
“Sorry.” “I forgive you, and that’s a good step.”
“What’s a good step?” “This talk, for one thing.”
“It’s supposed to be a prayer.” “It is, isn’t it?”
“Well, not really. It’s more like a regular conversation.” “What do you think prayer is?”
“Prayer is more formal.” “This seems to work, doesn’t it?”
“But prayer…that’s for people who are specially trained. That’s why we have pastors and people who pray for us, isn’t it?” “Do you feel like you need a pastor right now?”
“Well, …no. But this is like talking to my dad.” “I’m glad you see it that way, son.”
“I get it. I didn’t before, but I do now…I get it. So what about getting others to pray for us…how’s that work?” “Beats me. I’d just as soon hear from you.”
“Hmmm. Look, I’d love to finish the prayer, but I’ve really got to go.“
“I already know. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.”
“Thank you, too.“ “Good night. son. I love you.”
“I love you too Father, er, Dad. Er, ah, good night.“

Imagine being able to talk to God for yourself. What a concept!

Originally published on Substack: https://kevinjmccabe.substack.com/p/prayer-re-imagined