[This is one in a series of mid-week Reflections published by Horley Baptist Church during October 2020]
There is an anecdote, probably apocryphal, dating back to one of the periods when Harold Wilson was British Prime Minister. They were times of economic crisis for Britain and, according to this story, it was suggested that it might be appropriate to call the nation to prayer. Wilson is said to have retorted “Things aren’t bad enough for that!”
Things may have been ‘not bad enough’ for Mr Wilson but I was renovating a house in south Wales during his second period in office and I well remember the problems of trying to get a consistent supply of materials. Every time I went to the builders’ merchant whatever I had bought previously was no longer available and its replacement was both different and more expensive. Thankfully, we have a God who is always consistent and none of His blessings are ever out of stock.
Do we measure the need for prayer by how bad things are? Are there things which do not warrant being prayed about, either because we think they are too minor or, conversely, just too big to be covered by the scope of our prayers? Goliath was a big challenge. Did David pray about which stone to use to kill him? The record does not say but I suspect that having already committed the venture into God’s hands he simply got on with it.
Is it a matter of prayer as to whether I finish my restored table in Red Oak or Antique Oak? Probably not, but more important is to thank God for a safe and satisfactory completion of the project. On the other hand, a flat battery just as the car is about to undergo its annual test is a bit more serious. Will it start when the examiner turns the key? An anxious moment – only God can intervene, will He let me down?
Paul wrote to the Philippians “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 4:6-7 NIVUK]
But there is a problem with prayer. It is often easier to talk, or write, about prayer than it is to actually do it. There are many distractions, both in public prayer and in private; our thoughts wander, the connection is broken. Our cry becomes “Lord, teach us how to pray”.
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
