From the Desk of Pastor Olsen

February 2012

Why pray? God knows what we need even before we ask. So what is the point of asking? God knows that God is great and good. So what is the point of singing praises that simply tell God what God already knows? I can think of three good reasons for praying.

First, we pray because God commands us to pray. That is already reason enough. When God gives us a command, we do not merely take it under advisement; we do not argue with God over whether it is really necessary; and we do not promise to discuss it at the next council meeting. When God tells us to pray, we pray.

Second, we pray because God listens and responds to us. As remarkable as it may seem, our prayers can change God's mind. That is not to say that God can be manipulated or controlled by our prayers. God will not cease to provide for our needs if we forget to pray. Neither will God give us whatever we want when we do remember to pray. Yet because God is passionately concerned with our well being, God is open to hearing our perspective on what is taking place in our lives. God listened to Moses when he pleaded with God not to abandon the people of Israel after they had made and worshiped the golden calf. God heard the prayers of the people of Nineveh when they repented at the preaching of the prophet Jonah and did not overthrow their city. Of course, God does not always respond as we might hope. Jesus prayed that he might be spared from drinking the cup of suffering and death on the cross. Paul prayed that he might be delivered from an infirmity that plagued him and hindered his ministry. Neither of these prayers were answered with a "yes" -at least not this side of the resurrection.

Third, we pray because our hearts and minds need changing and there is no surer way to such change than conversing with God. Prayer is a two way street. We need to listen as well as speak. My prayers can be infected with selfishness. I may be praying for a raise, but God wants to teach me the joy of thankfulness and contentment. Sometimes my prayers are misdirected. I pray that God will make my difficult neighbor more reasonable, but God would teach me empathy and forgiveness. Sometimes my prayers are too small. It is only natural for me to pray for the welfare of my country's soldiers, but Jesus challenges me to pray for those of my enemy as well. As anyone who reads the Psalms already knows, prayer is more than delivering a wish list. Prayer is a passionate conversation. It is as much about listening as it is about speaking. Let us therefore continue steadfastly in prayer for one another, for the church, for those in need, and for all of God's creation.

Pastor Olsen