A recent article, titled “The definition of insanity” is the most overused cliché of all time, begins by saying:
I can relate to that! I recently told a few friends that my prayer life often resembles this definition of insanity. I keep praying the same things and expecting a different result - or maybe just any result. One of my friends replied asking me why I even pray. I responded by saying that praying is like breathing for me."It’s often said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
When I speak of prayer as spiritual breathing I am reminded of how, in my twenties, I never prayed even though my wife Ellen was blind for 3 of those years. Then she was healed and I became aware of God. Eventually I prayed my first real prayer and it has become like breathing in the sense of I do it without thinking to do it. It comes naturally just like breathing. Yet some of the prayers are versions of insanity as I ask for the same things over and over and do not see answers. Even so, I find peace in knowing that God has heard me - and perhaps that it a good enough "answer".
Real life example of my insane prayer life: As many of you know my wife Ann has been disabled for six years now and I watch her struggle every day to do basic things as she gets in and out of her wheelchair. I pray all of the time for her and I sometimes express my frustrations to the Lord. I sometimes feel a bit insane as I pray and do not see improvements in Ann's health. So I wonder if the real challenge is to be content (through prayer) with the challenges and pain that she and I experience. Being content with pain? Now that sounds insane!! What do you think?
I don't know what to think about prayer anymore. It seems that some of the promises in the bible concerning prayer just don't work out in real life at all and in another way, there is something about it that is like breathing. I pray that Ann improves, Bob, I wish she would be healed just the way that healing is described in the NT. I wonder why we can't have those miraculous healings that were promised to the disciples.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Ma! I resonate with what you said about real life and prayer. What has helped me the most in these past years is understanding that many of the promises are hyperbolic in nature. These days I see healings and miracles more as rare gifts from God more than answers to prayer. Not that I am planning to stop asking for them. ツ
DeleteIt may sound insane Bob, but prayer is not an option if we really believe the Bible. We are commanded to do it, and even taught how. When I'm at a loss, I just go back and repeat the Lords Prayer. I think of the verse that encourages us not to be weary in well doing. Prayer is well doing. Love you Bob, and will try to stay content even in those frustrating situations. Please give Ann our love.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts Wanda! I so appreciate you and the encouragement that you always send my way.
DeleteIt is like breathing to me, too and I could no more stop than I can stop breathing. There is a very thin line between our faith and the sovereignty of God. We must not get discouraged when "Our prayers/wants" don't always get "answered" as we have asked or wish. I must continue to abide in the sovereignty of God until my last breath.
ReplyDeleteAbiding is such a good word Susan. Thanks so much for sharing it!
DeletePraying for you both.
ReplyDeleteThank you Denise!
DeleteIf this is insanity...then I'm also insane! I don't even have many "times of prayer", as in chunks of time set aside for prayer. Why? Because I pray as I read my Bible, I pray as I'm driving in traffic or silently as I listen to a client (I'm a counselor) or as I shop, or just before drifting off to sleep or....well you get the picture. I used to wonder at the verse where Paul Says to "pray continually"...now I think I get it. Keep praying Bob - even if it looks insane. God hears and will reward your perseverance. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteLove your words Chari. We have known each other for 30+ years and I have always seen you as a woman of prayer. Your work in Kenya for these many many years speaks loudly to me about your prayer life.
DeleteHi Chari, I can truly identify with you on the not many "times of prayer"! I used to feel so guilty for not having set times for prayer and bible reading. But now I just accept it as the way I am but not an excuse for not doing but like you quoted Paul, to pray continually.
DeleteThanks and God bless!
"Prayer is spiritual breathing." I like that.
ReplyDeleteWhat if we substitute insanity with foolishness, though being insane is not so much a choice but being foolish I suppose is? We know that the message of the cross is foolishness to some (1 Cor 1:18) and God chose the foolish things of the world (1 Cor 1:27) and we are fools for Christ (1 Cor 4:10). Substitute "fools" for "insane" and it still works.