Answered Prayer

PE001  /  10.14.07

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is my denominational affiliation. It’s a theologically pluralistic faith tradition. And that may be a misnomer- to identify it as a ‘tradition.’ There are so many expressions of the Christian faith throughout our various congregations, that we’re not truly locked in to a particular tradition. Certainly, individual congregations may hold to particular traditions throughout their history. But, we’re an eclectic bunch, and those looking upon us may have difficulty placing us among the greater scheme of things when comparing denominations. It’s an identity thing. I particularly don’t like being locked into a groove; I appreciate my freedom of conscience and my freedom of interpretation and belief. But, to digress a bit, we do hold to a certain common thread regarding the ‘unity through our diversity.’ Weekly communion, mutual recognition of all believers regardless of immersion or sprinkling, and so forth. If that can be defined as tradition, in the common sense of the word, then it’s a wonderful one and, one which is supportive of the liberation in Christ so hungered for in our world.

At any rate this pluralism is not attractive to many in this day of absolutes. I find that many are looking for definitive answers in their church life – to the extreme. A-B-C, 1-2-3, ‘this’ is what we think and believe about ‘that.’ Some Protestants used to hold that against Catholics, that Papal authority was the telling guide and all authority and there were no grey areas.

Now, even among some Protestants, probably many Pentecostals, there is a similar notion, and theological pluralism is not attractive.

But I appreciate the freedom.

And that parallels the notion of this blog spot. Prayer, I believe, is like that. It’s a pluralistic experience, not pigeonholed or limited to human definition.

To the point: How do you reckon your prayers are answered; rather, how do you detect the answers to your prayers? How do you know when and how they’re answered? What proof, evidence do you have? And is it found A-B-C, 1-2-3, in the same place and the same manner every time?

You’ll likely answer that it’s not, and of course you know when your prayers are answered; that they’re discovered in many places and experiences. The answer comes via different paths.

Consider, too, that the answer may also come in stages, not all at once. God’s revelation to humankind is a progressive thing Not all at once. Well, for the most part, it’s not all at once. Undoubtedly, there are occasions when it’s like a ‘blinding light’ or burning bush’ but even then it has to be assimilated, absorbed into human consciousness.

But, I believe answered prayer is also a progressive thing, like forgiveness. Forgiveness, for we frail humans, doesn’t happen all at once. It takes time, and during that time the one extending the forgiveness doesn’t sit around twiddling their thumbs. (Does anyone even know what we’re supposed to be about after pronouncing “forgiveness?”) Throughout the day or even longer we must be on the lookout for pieces of the puzzle, how one experience fits into the other, one encounter with someone fits into other experiences to cause the answer to bubble to the surface of our consciousness.

Life is the sum total of its many parts, and moment-by-moment life can also be the sum total to the equation of answered prayer. But do we recognize the elements of the equation? (Pray without ceasing?)

Consider these thoughts and this aspect of prayer “echoes.”

- Keith