I never thought of prayer as controversial
until the last 10 to 15 years, when a transition began to be noticeable. When
someone or a loved one was experiencing a serious crisis or illness, people
used to say “Our prayers are with you” or “I’m praying for you.” As culture
shifted in a decidedly more secular direction, the statement became “Our thoughts
and prayers are with you.” Today it not
uncommon to find prayers dropped altogether and people say “Our thoughts are
with you.”
I’ve wondered how long a thought lasts, as
thoughts can range from deep to fleeting. Does a fleeting thought count in
offering consolation?
Perhaps wondering what might have happened to
prayer, R.C. Sproul asks a basic question: does it matter?
In Does
Prayer Change Things?, Sproul takes a succinct but hard look at this endeavor
called prayer. He doesn’t limit himself to explaining what prayer is, but
instead expands his discussion rather alliteratively to six aspects: the place
of prayer, its purpose, its pattern, the practice of prayer, the prohibition of
prayer, and the power of prayer. Right up front he provides his overarching perspective:
“Prayer to the Christian is what breath is to life, ye no duty is so neglected.”
It’s a privilege and a duty, and “any duty can become laborious.” And prayer
requires work.
 |
| R.C. Sproul |
Sproul uses the Lord’s Prayer as both a guide
and a suggested pattern to follow, suggesting the familiar “ACTS” acronym (Adoration-confession-thanksgiving-supplication).
It is a discourse or deep conversation with God, and over time, as one becomes
more practiced in it, it becomes far mre about God and far less about self and
the needs of self.
Sproul is the author of numerous books,
articles, sermons, and speeches on Christianity, church history, theology,
Calvinism, and related topics. He leads the teaching fellowship Ligonier Ministries, based in Sanford, Florida. Does
Prayer Change Things?, originally published in 1998 and revised in 2009, is
No. 3 in the Crucial
Questions series, now including some 25 topics and free as eBooks.
Does Prayer Change Things? is simple and straightforward, designed
for a general audience. It’s filled with insight and wisdom, and can be useful
for both new and experienced Christians.
ReplyDeleteA recent health section article in the WashPost looked at the research about prayer.Much of its effect (or power), it seems, is psychological.
Prayer can have as much effect on the one doing the praying as it does on the one being prayed for.
ReplyDelete