Christian Living

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The Rut
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


14 year old Michelle Casey and her family sat down for dinner on a 100 plus degree June, 2007 evening.

“It’s your turn, Michelle, to say grace,” her father said to her.

“Thank You, Almighty God, King of heaven and earth,” she prayed. “Bless us as we prepare to enjoy this meal given from Your hands. Bless and provide sustenance to those who have want or need of food wherever they may be. These things we pray. Amen.” Michelle noticed that before the prayer was finished, her mother, father, and brother were nearly prepared to bring food to their mouths.

Following the family meal as she and her mother cleaned up the dishes, Michelle found herself thinking back to the way she and the family had been saying grace lately. “Mom,” Michelle said, “I really don’t think God is too pleased when He hears our prayers anymore. I think our family has gotten into a terrible rut. I’m really not sure why, but I know I’m giving God less than I should.

I just feel we, as a family, are not giving God our whole hearts and minds when we pray, especially when we say grace. At dinner tonight we began eating before grace was completed. When I prayed I was not specific in what I asked for. I’ve also notice this to be true not just with me but all of us when it is our turn to say grace. I’m concerned, mom.”

Michelle had put her finger on her and her family’s prayer problem. When one prays, are we thoughtless? What blessings do we need? And why couldn’t we say who those people for whom we should pray for?

One of the greatest complaints one hears from Christians and some non-Christians is unanswered prayer. The late Dr. D. James Kennedy, former Pastor of Coral Ridge Church and Ministry, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on his broadcast “Truths That Transform” frequently discussed the carelessness and mindlessness Christians approach God with their prayers. Then these same Christians complain and wonder why God does not answer their prayers. Their subsequent responses are: (1) to declare prayer useless and stop doing so; (2) to declare God an onlooker who does not care to get involved in human affairs; and (3) worse of all to disavow the existence of God without fear or shame of their thoughts in this regard.

After Michelle’s discussion with her family members, each family member readily and honestly agreed their individual prayer habits need improvement. They also thanked Michelle for coming forward to identify their problem because prayer/talking to God is an incredible privilege that they never wanted to take for granted ever again nor should anyone else!

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