Dec 28 2007
praying like a magician
It wasn’t the main point of the sermon but it captured my thinking. Aaron Wymer (Senior Minister at Grandview Christian Church, Johnson City TN) was introducing a fine sermon on the wisemen. He said that the difference between a magician and a worshiper of God is that the magician will not say, “Thy will be done.”
The basic principle behind ancient magic is that through the manipulation of certain words or objects, the gods could be controlled. Power rested in the hands of the magician, and the goal of magic was to control the forces of the divine as well as the forces of nature.
In contrast, the worshiper makes requests, but does not presume power or the ability to control.
This reflection on magic, made me think about my prayer life. I am tempted (and I know from my conversations with others that I am not alone) to pray like a magician. I am tempted to think of prayer as some sort of incantation whereby my will and agenda can be promoted. This is not the kind of prayer that God desires.
Just as a parent wants to know about their child’s needs and desires, but does not want to be blackmailed or manipulated or cajoled, God insists that we not think of prayer as some sort of simple exchange. (In fact anyone who does think of prayer in this way will be quickly disappointed.)
Nevertheless I still find myself approaching God with frustration, thinking to myself or even saying to God, “I prayed three times, why haven’t you done anything.” When I do this, of course, I know that I am praying like a magician.
These are not the prayers that God desires.
on the walk
-Ethan
