Directional Prayer (Judge)

Armodoxy for Today: Directional Prayer

The Parable of the Unrighteous Judge is the theme of this week of Great Lent. The parable is recorded in the 18^th chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Yesterday, we heard the story of a judge who is neither afraid of God nor ashamed of men. He is continuously hounded by a widow who begs him to see her case. He finally breaks down, reasoning that she will wear him out unless he see her case.

The parable might leave some with the impression Jesus is explaining how God answers prayers – that if we are persistent, we can wear-down God to give us what we desire. Perhaps it is for that reason that the evangelist St. Luke, writes a few words of explanation as a preface to the parable. He says, “Jesus told His disciples this parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” St. Luke’s preface suggests that during his time – during the first century –  as is the case today, there was and is a misconception about the nature of prayer.

When Jesus teaches us the “Lord’s Prayer” he warns, “Do not heap up extra words. Your heavenly Father already knows what you need. Therefore when you pray, pray like this. Our Father, which art in heaven … ” Let’s think about that for a moment. If our Heavenly Father knows what we need, why then should we pray? This question betrays the fact that we have a misunderstanding about prayer.

Prayer is not merely a conversation with God. We pray because we need a conversation with ourselves. God already knows the desires of our heart. He knows our needs and as a loving father, wants the best for us. The real question is, do we know our needs? It may sound strange, but unless you have a true focus on your life, it is questionable whether or not you know what your needs are.

Do you suppose God doesn’t know that you are feeling lonely? Yet, only you can extend yourself to another for companionship. Pray then for courage, for the ability to forgive your past. Do you suppose God doesn’t know that your friend is struggling with an illness that can consume her life? Yet, you have the feet to enter you into her room, and the arms to embrace her during her time of trouble. Pray then, for strength, for the ability to resist comments, and only listen. Do you suppose that God doesn’t know that the world is in despair and on the brink of war? Yet, only people, you and I, have it within them to lay down their arms. Pray then for the spirit of peace, inside you and to be the instrument of that peace where you go.

Pray to God, but direct that prayer to God who resides in you as well as in Heaven. This is yet another lesson from the Unrighteous Judge.

We will continue with a deeper look at the nature of prayer tomorrow. Today we pray, Here my prayer O Lord, and open my spirit to your mercy and love. Amen.