“Is that even what God wants from our time together, for me to fill every moment with the sound of my own voice? . . . Language is one of God’s greatest gifts, to be sure. But there’s something that comes first: presence. Presence comes before language. That’s true with our children and it’s true with God. Presence is the foundation of our relationship and the true essence of prayer.”- Jason Hague
Jason Hague concludes Chapter 6 of Mid-Faith Crisis as he talks about what happens when we run out of words. Sometimes we find words frustrating. Because, Jason ponders, how many ways can we describe the same: pain – worries – unmet requests? Most significantly, is that even what God wants from our time together?
Certainly, Jason notes, we ask for God’s help and intervention in varied ways. Hence, sometimes we ask humbly or in desperate grief. But sometimes we ask with burning rage. However, Jason calls out attention to this important distinction. He notes:
“Being open with God about our fears, needs, hopes, and feelings — excited or brokenhearted or anything in between — is very different from telling God what to do.”
Above all, Jason stresses, we never find peace or goodness in carrying the burdens of the world. Yet, God invites us to bring our full selves, inviting us to draw near to His presence. Because, after all, we’re the kids.
Therefore, Jason exhorts:
“God is worth knowing even though he doesn’t obey my instructions. It’s worth spending time with God, worth practicing how to live in God’s presence, even though we can’t control what God does, even though we know God won’t make all our dreams come true or remove all our pain.”
In conclusion, somedays it takes all our energy just to approach God. Because we’re so tired, so worn out. As a result, we feel far too exhausted to hold on to hope. For all the pain and sorrow still remain. Thus, we place ourselves in God’s hands. And that’s a prayer we can repeat every day.
Today’s question: Do you agree with Jason that presence comes before language? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Academic thought experiment: suffering”