PRETENSE OF PRAYER

Why pray if you really don't expect God to answer or listen? People might say, "I never do that?" And maybe there are those who truly never offer up a prayer without being totally earnest.

I wish I could say that. But I can't. I will admit there have been way too many occasion when I have hurried through some prayer and not given it my full attentions.

Deep down I keep telling myself, I'll make up for it tomorrow. Or the ever popular, the Lord understands.

It is true that he understands. But it doesn't mean he will answer a prayer that in reality isn't even a prayer. More like some speech that we say and somehow hope it will be okay.

I think there are times when it is a good thing God doesn't answer our prayers. I mean if we pray for something that is nebulous or vague such a world peace, would we honestly be prepared if God did answer that prayer?

I recall the place in scripture where the disciples were gathered and prayer for Peter who had been put in prison. God answer the prayer and Peter came to the door where they were inside. The scene portrayed is so typical of human nature. Everyone had prayed for him, but nobody was prepared when it actually was answered.

To me, honesty in prayer is essential and so is showing the Lord the respect he deserves. It means to me treating him like a person. How many of us want to listen to somebody that rambles on and on and never in any way looks us in the eyes.

It is like we could not even be there and the person would have the conversation just the same. Really doesn't impress does it.

Do we think God would be impressed either? I think we know the answer to that one. And so does the lord.

So does that mean there is never a time for ritualistic prayer? Such as say when one repeats the Lord's prayer?

That to me is a different issue. It is done as a form of worship more than a prayer and has meaning in itself on that level.

I don't the lord expects to only pray when we are feeling well or never tired either. Just that it should be with all our heart.

We know when that is the case and when it isn't. It is more a case of when we are prepare to accept such situations for being earnest verses being a pretense of prayer. That the heart will know best of all.