A big realisation I’ve had, and something that has really manifested itself in my prayer life, is that the Psalmists constantly give God a reason for what they ask. If you’re like me, you probably get the feeling that it’s somehow manipulative to suggest reasons to God for why it’s best to give us what we want.
But what I’ve realised, and what the Scriptures bear out, is that God trains us to share in his priorities by having us pray in such a manner that we name and rely and lean on the things he values. Whether he answers yes, no or wait, every time you pray on the basis of things he has revealed that he values, your prayers are producing in you a “like-mindedness” to God and his will.
We do not see our signs;
there is no longer any prophet,
and there is none among us who knows how long.
How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?
Is the enemy to revile your name forever?
Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!
Ps 74:9-11
Here, the Psalmist very clearly lays out that he and his people are all out of help. It appears that God and his representatives on Earth are gone or silent. He asks ‘how long, O God, is the foe to scoff? / Is the enemy to revile your name forever?’ In saying this, he gives God a reason for why God should show himself and play his hand: God’s holy name is being dragged through the dirt by some enemies of the Almighty. That reason, the fact that God is the one being totally and perfectly worthy of worship, worthy of being honoured in society, is a wonderful and true teaching that we would do well to remember. God made the truth of that so very plain to our brother the Psalmist, and—I think you can hear it in his writing voice—he is clearly moved with emotion when thinking about the dishonour pointed towards God.
That is the basic framework of what I am arguing for. It is ok to simply pray ‘God, please let your name be honoured in society’. That’s good, that’s true—but the Scriptures go further. They teach us to say ‘God, why aren’t you acting? Your beauty and your goodness are being mocked all the day! How can you put up with that? Don’t let your people and the house that bears your name be destroyed and defamed. Show up for us!’
At this point, the fair-minded reader might be tempted to disagree: ‘Well hold on there, isn’t it really irreverent to suggest that we ought to pray in such a brash and impetuous manner? The constant refrain in Scripture is to submit to God’s will, to receive his inscrutable acts in our lives with faith, and to be patient since we know all his actions come right on time.’
Frankly, I find myself nearly tempted to agree with this rejoinder. Just like the ‘meat sacrificed to idols’ scenario, it is possible that a lawful option (Psalm-like prayers where we tell God why he should help us) might be a genuine stumbling block to someone, and so that person should ignore what I am advocating for, and not worry a single second more.
But if that’s not you, if you would love to have something more to grasp onto in your prayers, if you are prepared to become proficient in things that your father has said you are welcome to try, then I invite you to comb the Psalms. Let’s see some more examples. For space efficiency, I will embolden the phrases I want to draw attention to.
Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy scoffs,
and a foolish people reviles your name.
Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts;
do not forget the life of your poor forever.
Have regard for the covenant,
for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.
Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame;
let the poor and needy praise your name.
Arise, O God, defend your cause;
remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!
Do not forget the clamor of your foes,
the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!
Ps 74:18-23
I may have gone a little overboard with the long quote, but just look! See how many times he uses ‘imperative’ language, telling God to act. In particular verse 22, ‘Arise, O God, and defend your cause’. At no point is he disrespectful or entitled. At no point does he seek to sneakily imply that God is falling short in his actions.
So, friends, when you next pray for any cause, whether yours or that of a sister in Christ, mention to God why it would be in keeping with his will and his priorities for him to answer. Out with the:
‘well Lord, I don’t know if you want this or not, but if you do, I’d really like it if my friend would overcome her depression’,
and in with the:
‘God, now is the time to act! People are going to see that this man or woman who trusts in you is being hung out to dry right now, and they’re going to think that you’re a God who can’t really deliver your people, just like the Rabshekah said to Hezekiah. God, remember that you promised never to leave us or forsake us, and that it is your covenant faithfulness that we can rely on? Lord, help us!’
May God, who blesses us richly in Christ Jesus, enrich your prayer life. May you be joyful and triumphant.
Distilled Orthopraxy 