I don’t know about you, but I get worn down praying. I’m maxed out on prayers for pandemic relief, for the people (especially women and children) of Afghanistan, for equal voting rights for all citizens, for Ukraine to be free from violent assault. Add to that a lengthy list of personal requests
…followed by the three blinking dots of a God text message.
I’m worn with waiting and with continued, determined hoping. We’ve entered the Christian Lenten season: a time of introspection and asceticism in hopes of deepening our relationship with God. This season, I’m struck by the number of Scriptures begging God to remember, to help. I think we need to beg God to save the people of Ukraine, to help us vote in leaders who serve the public good rather than themselves, to empower those fighting in word and action for the God values of justice, equality, freedom, and love.
I once read a thinker who suggested the only purpose of prayer was to align our minds with decisions God already made. Okay, sometimes, yes. To that, I also offer the example of Abraham praying for Sodom, Moses praying for the Israelites, and the psalmists turning all their creative powers to snag God’s attention and beg for help.
We may not have considered prayer, or God, in this way. I think it’s worth a look, even if it discomforts. Lent is an uncomfortable season, because faith grows when challenged. And we sorely need a growing faith now.
Join us at A Spacious Place in praying that God, by whatever name you choose, attend to the pain and violence in the world, and then to act as only God can. We may feel maxed out, but let’s keep on trying. It’s what we can do in a world of hurt.
What are your beliefs on prayer, on God, on faith? We would love to hear from you. Share your Soul & Solace thoughts with us at contact@aspaciousplace.com
Tag Archives: Justice
March 2012 Soul and Solace
VW Justice
Walking home from school my fifth grade year, my friend and I decided to amuse ourselves by sticking out our tongues at passing cars. At each car’s approach, we prepared our mouths to do the unspeakable; at just the right time, we thrust forth our tongues and waggled them tauntingly. I still feel the euphoria tingling up my spine at our audacity. We’d taken on the social taboos and gotten away with it! Until.
A VW bug drove past us: a small and unpretentious prey, not like bagging a Cadillac. Still, we gave it our all, then we doubled over with laughter. The VW made the block and drove past us again. Imagine my shock when the driver rolled down her window, poked out her head, and stuck out her tongue at us!
Quite a different sensation now tingled up my spine: Shock. Hurt. Anger. How could she? How mean of her to… Wait a minute.
Standing there, satchel in hand, I experienced for the first time what it was to stand in another person’s shoes: what real world justice felt like. If I could find that woman today, I’d give her a big hug (if she’d let me get that close).
This month, I’ll seek to stand in another’s shoes: to live justly in the world, remembering that everybody matters.
What are your experiences of standing in another’s shoes? Of someone caring enough to stand in yours? What are your experiences of justice, or of injustice? Share your thoughts