Prayer as Preparation - December 12

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 41, 52; PM Psalm 44; Isa. 8:16-9:1; 2 Pet. 1:1-11; Luke 22:39-53

My understanding of prayer has always been that it shapes us, maybe to be more compassionate, more understanding, to be deeply more empathetic.  And prayer entrusts our concerns to God, a way of seeking the support and comfort from the one who loves us.  But I am still struck by a sermon that Katherine preached a week ago.  

Katherine shared, that prayer prepares us for what is to come.  There is a slight difference in shaping us to be who are supposed to be and preparing for what is to come.  While I might know that I might need to be more compassionate, therefore praying for the concerns of others, seeing my prayers as preparation becomes more urgent.  I must pray in order to handle what life may throw my way.  This means prayer is necessary. The deep prayers of this past year are what have prepared us to be able to live with love, welcome, and faith in the midst of challenges and pain. The deep prayers of love for friends and parishioners who are struggling prepare me to sit with them in the midst of life. Prayers for my family ease tensions in the holidays. Prayers for our community, prepare me to be more a part of our community.

I have often wondered how Jesus could so willingly go to the cross.  Today’s Gospel reading is Jesus praying at the Mount of Olives, just outside the gate to the old city of Jerusalem.  He kneels and prays in one of his last acts before being handed over to the Roman authorities.  One of his last acts is to pray: “Not my will but yours be done.” 

I wonder if this is the crux of a faithful life, to surrender to God’s will and let our own ego and desires dissipate so that God’s will shine through.  It is counterintuitive because most of our actions as human beings are trying to will our own outcome to life.  Many of us are told from a very young age that we can be whoever we want to be.  We make decisions that directly affect outcomes and we do have agency over our own lives.  I’ve even argued before that autonomy is what defines what it means to truly live.  And yet, Jesus’s action in today’s Gospel is to surrender to God’s will, and it is prayer that prepares him to do what is necessary. 

As much as I want to believe that I know what tomorrow will bring, the past few years are a visible reminder that the future is always uncertain.  But we do have some control and agency in our lives.  We can pray and God will use those prayers to shape us to be faithful in spite of all that is to come.  Thanks be to God.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  How does prayer shape your life?  What was the last thing you prayed about?  How do you think about your prayer life?

Daily Challenge:  Consider praying the Saint Stephen’s prayer list.  Here is a link to this weeks list.