11/19/17
Introduction
Prayer is not overcoming Gods reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness. This
quote by Martin Luther highlights exactly what I believe to be one of the most important
ministries Christians can be engaged in- the ministry of prayer. When we pray for others, for
establishments, for cities, and even for ourselves, we lay hold of a deeper picture of Gods
heart. Its akin to an infant synchronizing its breathing with the breathing of its mother. God
longs for us to be one, and prayer is one of the most effective ways to build that intimacy.
Creation
In the beginning, Adam and Eve had no choice but to pray. The conversation flowed
naturally between them and God, and God heard and responded to every word. In fact, the very
first interaction God and man have together is God breathing life into man (Genesis 2:7) literally
giving man the breath needed to open this direct communication with God. He continues to
communicate, breathing life into another being when the woman is created (Genesis 2:22-23)
and then equipping them with helpful instruction on how to navigate this new life (Genesis 2:16-
17). This open, direct communication is what God always intended for right relationship with
Man. This is the way life was supposed to be. Yet, we sinned and therefore chose separation
from God.
The Fall
When the serpent came onto the scene, humanity chose to break off this communication
with God. Adam and Eve became self-reliant, and stored up bitterness in their heart toward their
Creator, thinking that He was holding out on them. This bitterness built a wall between us and
the Father, and we humans were the main bricklayers. But heres the amazing part the part that
confirms my belief that God is more loving and more faithful than I will ever understand- God
doesnt let our bitterness stand in the way. He continues to knock on the door of relationship. He
calls out to Adam and Eve, initiating the conversation once again (Genesis 3:9). Sin caused
Adam and Eve to respond to this invitation in fear (Genesis 3:10)a response so different from
the communication God and man once had. Eventually the fear turns into blame, as Adam and
Eve scramble to distance themselves from their sin. God sorrowfully leads them into the path
they have chosen one of distance from His perfect garden. This distance is further expanded
throughout the entire Old Testament, as we see Gods people close the door, rejecting His
invitation to relationship again and again (Zechariah 7:11, Jeremiah 32:33, Isaiah 30:9).
Ultimately, God decides to show up in the flesh His final attempt to reconcile this broken
relationship.
Redemption
Jesus shows us the heights of what God desires most- perfect relationship to us. He so
desires this open communication that He shows up as one of us. Jesus walked on this Earth,
talked to many in the flesh, and centered His ministry around reconciling Gods people back to
God. The New Testament records Jesus praying over 25 times for a multitude of things. He prays
at His baptism (Luke 3:21), when selecting the 12 disciples (Luke 6:12-16), at times when He
desperately needs to hear Gods voice for the healing of others (John 11:41, Mark 7:31-37), and
even when He is suffering on the cross (Matthew 27:46). In fact, when Jesus died the veil
between man and God was torn in two a perfect symbol of Jesus accomplishing the
reconciliation He set out to do. Jesus models for us a way to relate to the Father again. He only
did what He heard the Father saying, and He based His every move on the Fathers leading. This
is the life God laid out for us. We were created for this type of communication. Communication
rooted in relationship.
Consummation
When God comes again to restore our broken world, I believe the lines of communication
will be wide open. This new Heaven and new Earth will very closely resemble what God laid out
for Adam and Eve in the garden. God and man will once again live in relationship, in intimacy
with each other. In this new heaven and new earth, the walls that we once built will all break
down, leaving God and man to communicate how Isaiah 65:24 describes. Worship will be
abundant (Isaiah 66:23) and the praise of Gods name will ever be on our lips.
Conclusion
our actions after Jesus. He only did what the Father said to do, so how much more important is it
for us to have listening ears for the Fathers voice? Prayer provides guidance, builds intimacy,
and ultimately will move mountains. In every functional relationship, both parties are in constant
communication. Lets follow the words of Luther and lay hold of Gods willingness as we tune
our ears to His voice, fall more in love with the Father and wait in expectation for the mountains
to move.