Devon DickRECENTLY, I read in 'The Expository Times' an article by Bishop Michael Thompson that attempted to answer the question, what happens when we pray? Is prayer just a psychological tool that makes the one praying feel better? Or does prayer change the mind of God?
Many persons have been praying about the high murder rate for decades but the problem persists. Many persons prayed for prosperity for Haiti and for democracy to be respected but Jean-Bertrand Aristide is gone and poverty is endemic in Haiti. If prayer changes things why was the war in Iraq not averted in spite of the many prayers for peace?
Thompson offers some insights into different types of prayers and the ultimate purpose of prayer. I will share three categories of prayers from the Old Testament. The challenge however is to know when to apply which, as sometimes in prayer we are changed while another time God's mind is changed and yet still at other occasions prayer is effected through some human activity.
INTENSIVE PRAYER
There is intensive prayer. This is where the one praying agonises to God. This person is at rock bottom and has to 'bawl out' to God. The person is in deep distress and cries out to God. The person's tears become their meat and drink. The Psalmist with usual candidness often laments to God and a large chunk of the book of Psalms has that type of prayer.
This predicament could be arrived at due to one's sinfulness or as a victim of injustice. In the Psalms, it is clear that in this type of prayer the one praying changes. He or she experiences mood swings and moves from lament to gladness. Through this type of praying a great transformation occurs. Prayer has facilitated an awareness of the love of God.
Then there are Intercessory prayers. These are prayers made on behalf of someone else or a nation that is in trouble. Samuel made intercession on behalf of his people in a context of political change occasioned by the people moving away from a theocracy and adopting a monarchy. Moses had to intercede on behalf of the people who made and worshipped the golden calf. The Bible entreats us to intercede on behalf of our leaders.
There were instances in the Bible when God was going to curse a people and his hand was stayed because of the pleadings of a prophet or the repentance of a people. Can the unchanging God change his mind? When God stays an execution of a judgement it is not that God is being manipulated or that God is not free to do what he wills but it is God's mercy being extended to humankind and giving human beings another opportunity.
This type of prayer is needed when we are confronted with powers and principalities that are far beyond our powers to manage. There are many things in world affairs that we cannot impact, save and except through intercessory prayers.
Then there is what I call Involved praying. This is prayer with action. The idea is that 'God helps those who help themselves'. This third type sees faith being accompanied with works. There is a story where King Hezekiah had a boil. The King prayed for himself and wept. And the prophet Isaiah under divine commission applied a poultice of figs to the boil and the King recovered. What effected the healing? Was it the prayer, tears, poultice or a combination of some or all these things? Prayer and medicine should go hand in hand. So neither prayer nor medicine should be neglected as we seek healing.
PROTECT ONESELF, FAMILY
Nehemiah when he was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem prayed and watched. He had a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other to defend against the wicked opponents. There is a place for appropriate human activity to alleviate a situation or to protect oneself and family. There have been many prayers for peace but Jamaicans need to do more to achieve the peace we desire.
Finally, when all is said and done, what happens when we pray is a reflection of our intimate relationship with God. This is what I call Intimate praying. In this act we are assured that God hears and answers our prayers. God is always willing and available to listen to our concerns. The one who made and manages the universe listens to the murmuring of the least of the flock.
What happens when we pray? We communicate and have communion with God as friend to friend.
The Rev Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church.
