STOP PRAYING... At least for that.

For the past several weeks our Sunday evening assembly has been more of a modified small group ministry than a typical Sunday night ‘preaching’ assembly. We have been working through a video series called “Modern Parables.” We all meet in the auditorium and watch one of Jesus’ parables retold in a modern context. Then we break into small groups around the building and discuss the meaning and application of the parable to our lives today.

This past week we finished the parable of “The Widow & the Judge.” The goal of the parable was to encourage persistence in prayer, not because God is like the Judge in the story who doesn’t care, but because God is just the opposite, he truly cares and is eager to answer our prayers. So don’t give up praying.

One of the great benefits of a small group discussion over a ‘sermon’ is the free flowing nature of it. While you don’t want to carelessly ‘chase rabbits’ all the time, often the direction of the discussion may take you somewhere you didn’t map out ahead of time. That is how part of our discussion progressed last Sunday.

In the midst of discussing the need to be persistent in prayer, the question was asked, “Is there a time when we should stop praying?” And, “Does quitting imply a lack of faith on our part in God’s willingness or ability to answer?” To the first question, I think there are several examples that help; Think of Joshua, when in prayer, God told him, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?” (Joshua 6:10). Think of Paul, who prayed 3 times that his thorn would be removed, and God answered, “My grace is sufficient for you!” (2 Cor. 12:9). And think of Jesus, who prayed 3 times that, “this cup pass from me.” Yet God did not answer. The clear implication is that for these three men, there was a time to stop praying (at least about that) and move on in the will of God as it remained for them.

The answer for the second question is made easier when the first is answered; no it is not a lack of faith to stop praying. As a matter of fact, it may actually be a greater demonstration of faith in God to move on in His will as it remains. But this begs a third question; If there is a time to stop praying, and it doesn’t show a lack of faith to do so, then how do I know when to stop praying?

Ah, that is a question not so easily answered. How do you decide when to stop? We had at least one in our group who has faced this very decision. When the twins, Tabitha & Xander were born a little over 2 years ago, fervent prayer was a continual part of Alex & Laura’s life. They prayed with great faith in God’s ability and love. They prayed with great persistence that God would make Tabitha and Xander better. With great joy and praise to God, we are all witnesses to Tabitha’s improvement. (As a matter of fact she’s walking around the building right now.) Xander on the other hand has endured battle after battle with infections, seizures, and other complications since birth. Laura explained that they have come to the place where they have stopped praying for Xander to get better, but have come to accept God’s will as it remains for Xander. While God has chosen not to make Xander better, he has in fact made Alex & Laura better. They stand among us as great examples of persistent faith. They could have turned their backs on God, they could have turned their backs on each other, and many couples in similar circumstances have done just those kinds of things. But they didn’t and they won’t. And they still pray for Xander... but just not for that.

My prayer is that God will give you and me the wisdom, courage & faith to know when to stop praying... at least for that.