<idle musing>
As you know, if you read this blog with any regularity at all, our daughter is pregnant and the ultrasound revealed a problem with the heart of the baby. I asked people to pray for the baby’s health, and we received some good news shortly thereafter: the problem is not genetic, which means the baby probably will not die immediately after birth, or have Downs Syndrome, or things like that. We praise God for that, and are thankful for the prayers on behalf of the unborn child and parents.
But, one thing that bothered me is that quite a few people were praying that God would direct the surgeons’ hands. Nothing inherently wrong with that, unless that was the first thing thought of. What I mean is this; did these people seek the will of God in this situation before they defaulted to medical science for the answer? If so, great, I firmly believe God can use medical science. If not, then that is idolatry, stealing God’s glory and giving it to man. I know that God still heals today. I know that he doesn’t need to use medical science. As all of us in the family were seeking God on how to pray, we all came to the conclusion, independently, that we were to pray for total healing in utero. So, that is how we are praying.
There is a marvelous story told about George Mueller, the prayer warrior of the nineteenth century; he was on his way to a meeting in Canada, via boat on the St. Lawrence Seaway. The fog was so thick that the boat was barely moving and it looked like Mueller would be late to his meeting. The captain came to Mueller’s cabin to tell him the bad news, and Mueller replied that he had never been late before, and God wouldn’t allow him to be late this time either. He said, “Let’s pray.” He then fell to his knees and asked God to clear the fog and allow him to arrive on time. After he finished his prayer, the captain was about to add his own words of prayer, but Mueller gently stopped him and told him not to even bother praying, since he (the captain) didn’t really believe God would answer. The captain was a bit taken aback, but had to agree. They stood up and opened the door of the cabin to a flood of sunshine. God had answered Mueller’s prayer.
So, while I know Joel and Renee truly appreciate all the prayer support they can get, I also know that they are receiving enough unbelieving prayers from local people that the last thing they need is unbelieving prayers from strangers!
Please, don’t misunderstand me here. I am not saying don’t pray. I am saying to seek God’s face and discover what you are hearing from him on how to pray. Then pray believing that he will do what he promised.
</idle musing>
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
My pastor often says that the worst thing you can do when you need prayer is ask the saints. Because if for instance you tell them you have cancer and ask them to pray, the first thing out of their mouth is "ooh child, so and so is dying of cancer...".
Quite honestly, I believe that a very strong argument can be made for the kinds of empty prayers that many Christians pray as being genuine examples of taking the Lord's name in vain.
"So, while I know Joel and Renee truly appreciate all the prayer support they can get, I also know that they are receiving enough unbelieving prayers from local people that the last thing they need is unbelieving prayers from strangers!"
Ouch! Judgemental much? You are assuming much here. Glad to know you can read the heart of man. Next time just ask for perfect prayers from those that are walking perfectly with Him. Glad to hear your future grandchild is doing well - must have been a result of those few perfect "believing" prayers huh?
Sarah,
What? Where do you see this as judgmental? If you felt God calling you to pray in a specific way, then do so. If, however, you did not stop to seek how to pray, but defaulted to the surgeon, that is another story. That is what I am addressing.
James
Post a Comment