“None of us know enough to really comprehend prayer; our most eloquent, theologically, purely motivated prayers aren’t much more than babbling to an infinite Creator. But God cares for us, loves us, stays close to us, even when we can’t or won’t pursue a relationship with him — so how much sweeter when we do, even if halting, unbalanced, confused, and self-centeredly.”- Catherine McNiel
Catherine McNiel continues Chapter 6 of Mid-Faith Crisis as she talks about a traumatic brain injury she suffered a few years ago. However, she notes, the fervent prayer of her praying friends failed to bring about a miraculous healing. Yet, Catherine underscores, when friends lifted up their hands and voices on her behalf, prayer:
- allowed her to feel cared for, not entirely alone in her darkness and fears.
- bonded her to God when she was desperate for Him.
- became a path toward the green pastures and still waters she longed for, yet could not achieve on her own.
- helped her feel enveloped by a love that transcended her terrifying circumstances.
Furthermore, Catherine states, day after long day, these worship lyrics lingered in her addled brain. Sung by Jonathan and Melissa Hessler (Bethel Music), the lyrics state: I’m no longer a slave to fear; I am a child of God.
Yet, Catherine stresses, even though prayer didn’t make her healthy, prayer enabled her to press on. Therefore, she explains:
“This is where I find comfort, when I ascribe so little power or causation to my words: if God is this close, holding us in his arms or sitting with us on the floor as we throw our temper tantrums, then we don’t need to craft a message or send a telegraph. We just need to lift our eyes, open our hands, and lean against his arms. The fact is, we really are children in the grand scheme of things.”
Today’s question: Do you agree with Catherine when she likens our most eloquent prayers to babbling to an infinite Creator? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Presence comes before language”