A Stumbler's Walk | BEAUTIFUL PRAYERS

A while ago I was asked to pray at a (non-family*) gathering. I don't specifically recall the occasion or setting. As often happens, the host gathered everyone together and said we were going to have a prayer. Again, as often happens, being the former "professional" in the group, the spinning bottle pointed to me. (I'm being a bit tongue-in-cheek. I certainly don't mind and actually am honored to lead.)

At some point afterward a nice woman approached me and said, "That was a beautiful prayer." I thanked her, appreciating the comment; but not thinking much about it... Until recently. 

That was a beautiful prayer. Was it? Why? Was it eloquent? Did I speak nice flowery words? Was my prayer meant to be beautiful? And if so, to whom? (You should be way ahead of me at this point.)  

If my beautiful prayer is intended for those around me, but not the One to whom prayer-offerings should be made, then it is not a beautiful prayer. It is words - a sermonette at best. If my beautiful prayer is directed toward others, it is not a beautiful prayer. In fact, it is not prayer at all - no matter how tingly we may feel.   

"God is great, God is good... thank you for the food... Amen," can be a beautiful prayer when spoken from a childlike heart. And the most theologically accurate and dramatically eloquent prayer makes it no higher than the ceiling insulation when spoken for the purpose of theological and dramatic self-aggrandizement. 

"Help!" can be a beautiful prayer. 

"Thank you..." can be a beautiful prayer. 

Focused silence can be a beautiful prayer. 

Yet, the most eloquent of words that may move a stadium filled to capacity, dully die-out having not reached heaven if they are spoken to move the masses rather than to reach the ears of God.** 

So what is a beautiful prayer?  I am not a prayer expert, but here are a couple thoughts... the list certainly can be expanded, but you get the idea:

• A prayer of thanks. We see this again and again in Jesus' prayers. (Note: I've often wanted, when asked to pray at a gathering, to say (in my most Billy Graham voice), "Let us pray... (pause)... Thanks." Then I'd watch as people slowly opened one squinting eye to look around, checking if they were going deaf, or if the prayer was over.)
• A prayer of desperation. I love this prayer from Mark's gospel, "I believe; help my unbelief!" God, that's me! Or there is the unspoken desperation of a woman reaching out to simply touch the dust-rubbing hem of Jesus' coat. 
• A prayer of hope. Note the woman above (Matthew 9:19-21).
• A prayer of trust. Peter to Jesus: "To whom else will we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)
• A prayer love. Who doesn't cherish being told by their children, "I love you"?

Ultimately, a beautiful prayer is any prayer offered from a seeking and honest heart to a God we hope is listening.

He is.

God, thanks... and help!

For now...

D

*Most family-gathering prayers involve food, and usually prepared by my sister. These prayers are very short, as I am hungry and the food is incredible. Long prayers over food are not beautiful prayers!

**Thank God for grace; that he sees our hearts when our minds and motives get in the way. And he hears what is unknown and unspoken when we are honest with him. Therefore, take what I have written as overstatement. But we should all inspect our hearts when dealing with the most powerful and precious resource available to us... that of personal and intimate communication with the God of the universe; and the opportunity to invite him into our, and others', lives, situations and circumstances.