Missing the tap, but getting the point of prayer.
Earlier this week at home, I had to shift the car. I reversed it back into the shade and as I got out, realised I had just missed going over a tap. All the way into the house I prayed devoutly, “Thank you, Jesus, thank you!” Did this show a good trust in God, possibly, but possibly not? In the Gospel of Mark, which is being read at Sunday Mass this year, Jesus shows mixed feelings on people approaching him as a miracle worker. Yes, his amazing power does attract people’s attention but it can have a down side. We can expect God to be some form of servant, fixing up the problems we have in life. With such an attitude, we look to God to do our biding. Ouch! That’s hardly the basis for a relationship with a human being, let alone God. Where’s the respect? Where’s the love? So when we pray, it is not so much for escape from trouble and bother, but rather for the sense that God is with us in all the circumstances of life. To be devout, I would also have to thank God for being with me if I had run over the tap with all the expense, mess and inconvenience that would flow. (Still, to be honest, I’m still grateful the tap’s still there!)
Loving God, you desire to be with us in all the events of life. When your Spirit prompts us to pray, may we look to you as a friend and loving companion. We ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear us.