Much of pastoral work is in fact the work of reminding.
When I preach, for example, I am (usually) not so much teaching people new truths but instead reminding them of ancient truths that they have perhaps forgotten. Or chosen to disregard.
Just as often, preaching is a reminder of how those ancient truths actually apply to current living.
When I make a visit to the hospital or nursing home, I stand in as a visual reminder that God is involved and active in people’s lives, even as they wrestle with illness or struggle with convalescence.
When people come for marriage counseling, the very office in which we meet is a reminder that God’s heart beats with a desire for marriages to be stable, strong, and loving. My words can bring either a comforting or challenging reminder of what God has already said about husbands and wives.
When people come for personal counseling on a myriad of other issues, my use of the bible or my words of advice best serve to remind people of God’s enduring love and faithfulness. I hope to remind people of what they already know but have perhaps forgotten — that God is bigger than any addiction, obstacle, or frustration they face.
Are these new & revolutionary truths? Of course not.
They are ancient ones we all too often overlook.
So my pastoral colleagues and I — when we get it right — are here to remind you that you are surrounded, protected, challenged, and loved by a God whose word is clear and true.
What do you need to be reminded of today?
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The power of prayer.
How would my pastor defend this?
Harvard Prayer Study
I have joined a debate on this topic posted by a friend on facebook.
The friend’s quote;
“I keep seeing the praise of prayer on here. Why do so many Christians deny the facts that prayer does not work.”
My response;
“Let me ask you this, what if God answered every prayer that was prayed?
My thought on this is that the world we live in, full of sickness, pain and sin would simply become heaven? It’s not going to happen. We have to make our determination here on earth to choose where we want to spend eternity.
Personally, I believe in the power of prayer and the strength of God. No way over the past year that I accomplish the things that I have with out prayer and God in my life.
Why do bad things happen to good people? It’s not because a prayer was prayed for it not to happen. Things on earth happen, good and bad.”
Another quote from friend in this discussion;
“And as for “Let me ask you this, what if God answered every prayer that was prayed? ” Jesus said “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:13-14) AND Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, I … Read Moretell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. AND Matthew 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Are you a christian who does not believe these words, Matthew?”
I need a reminder this morning that there is power in prayer and it works.
Not real sure if I’m holding up my end of the bargain of “Worked on to work for”.?
What do I need to be reminded of today? That I need to continue to pray earnestly for my grandson. Sometimes I think God does not hear my prayers for I have prayed for so long. I do call upon Good Shepherd to pray for him as well.
Matt –
Thanks for the note.
You are doing well at being worked on to work for.
Other prayer studies have shown the opposite result from the one you cited.
But more than that, think about the effect of prayer on the one who prays. If you pray for the sick person, something changes and grows in you, even if the healing prayer isn’t answered in the way you’d like. You, the prayer, are molded and shaped and worked on.
God is sovereign. He answers prayer. And he doesn’t answer prayer. I’ve seen too much of both sides to think anything else. All I know is we get to (not have to, get to) keep at it.
Finally, about the Matthew 18 and 21 verses. Those are great passages. Remember that Jesus often uses hyperbole to make a point. See, for example, Matthew 5:29-30 and rejoice that you still have two eyes and two hands.
Thanks Talbot.
Today I can not even begin to describe the questions I have about my faith. That big smile that I molded with my play-doh is not much more than a pile of goo this morning.
It should be noted that a couple of weeks ago I had to ask the Directv installer to gather what belonged to him and leave. Today the Dish Network installer was asked before the equipment even came out of the truck.
I then open facebook to see how progress is coming with the debate I joined.
“Jesus will quite often exaggerate something to make his point.” What makes you think he was exagerating? How do you justify which parts to take literally and which not to? It stuns me how people seem to almost randomly decide which parts are worth following!… Read More
I do not believe in any gods. I can easily be swayed though! Provide proof. Period. Proof. So far, the struggle seems to be to justify the hocum and errors and BS instead of proof though.
I want to smile so desperately right now! I want to make a difference! Everything that has been given to this friend, he has disputed. In which case has me asking the same questions this morning. I am aware it is a new day. However, I need a reminder that, I did ask my Heavenly Father to forgive me and that if dropped over dead right now I would make it to Heaven.
Is God testing me?
Coincidence?
That I just happened to select the James-Michael Smith link under blogs you like.
Coincidence?
That on his blog I find and read the article When God is not there
Coincidence?
I don’t think so! I like to think of it as the power of God. If we yield to him, stop and be STILL, he will provide guidance and direction.
Was/is God testing me? I’m not sure. I do know this though, I have spent more time in my bible, I have been able to show love and my prayers seem to be more direct.
I share this on an open blog for someone who may be thinking, Has God left me? Is he testing me?
Is this post yet another “Coincidence” ?
Thank you Talbot for your kind words and guidance.
Matt