Next week came and this time Rachel was already there. Andy was glad to see her, Sandra was uncertain how to feel, the rest of the group, well they were just there. What is the topic for today Rachel said. Faith and salvation Sandra announced sounding somewhat self assured. She had studied the so-called salvation prayer during the week in anticipation. Rachel had indicated that praying for salvation was not in the Bible but she now knew that the concepts in the sinner’s prayer are in the Bible, it is just that praying them isn’t. So she was ready.
But Rachel’s next question was not on the concepts but on prayer itself. Rachel asked, What is a prayer of faith? One of the class members suggested the prayer must be somehow associated with the definition of faith in Hebrews 11. And what does Hebrews 11 say, Rachel asked? Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Sandra quickly quoted. So, Rachel continued, when you pray for a job, what are you hoping for? A job, Sandra offered. That is one half of faith. What is the other half? Rachel added. Assurance! Said Andy. Sandra, two weeks ago you said God answered your prayer for a job. You said you hoped to get it, but you were not sure, Rachel reviewed. So you had hope but not assurance when you offered your prayer. In other words, the thing not seen was you getting the job, and you had no conviction that you would get it. Was that a prayer of faith according to Hebrews? Rachel asked. No, I guess not Sandra sighed.
Now according to James what can a person expect who is not praying in faith? Rachel asked the group “let not that person expect that he will receive anything from God” was the answer from the group.
Like you said last week Andy interrupted, Faith is a forward story, not a back story. One must know the future and the only way to know the future is for God to tell you. Rachel looked at Andy and smiled.
Sandra understood the point but didn’t like the implication. If I pray for salvation, that is what I am hoping for. Sandra said. And what do you have assurance of? Rachel returned. Salvation! Sandra responded. Really? Questioned Rachel. What is the qualifying statement that usually follows the sinner’s prayer? Sandra had a blank look. Rachel continued. Usually a leader will add, something like, if you were sincere and believed with all your heart you are now a child of God. Hmmm that is right. Said Sandra. The mind is a tricky thing. Added Rachel. How sincere were you, was it with your whole heart, and what does that even mean?
What about the next verse in James 5, verse 16? Asked Rachel. Someone in the group started reading. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16. So what does that tell us? Rachel continued. We are to confess sins and pray. Offered Sandra. To whom and for Whom? Said Rachel. One another! Andy exclaimed. And whose prayer is effective? Those of a righteous man. The group responded. Is that any of you? Asked Rachel. All of us they shouted, we are clothed in Jesus’ righteousness because we are Christians, born again, children of God. Both Andy and Sandra were silent.
Rachel noticed their silence and looked them both in the eye. Why are you silent? Rachel asked. Andy said something but Rachel was too far away to hear but Sandra heard and Sandra jumped in. Your questions about prayer and faith have left us wondering whether we should pray at all. Should I ask for anything? I don’t even know what faith is anymore – maybe I never did. Can I pray without faith? Can I pray a desire and hope. I don’t know anything anymore. Then Sandra blurted out. Your questions are teaching strange things. Strange, how so? Ask Rachel. We (Sandra included everyone now) were taught that faith was strong belief like positive thinking only with God in the equation and we are to accept whatever happens as answers to our prayers. And now you have mixed things up saying things like a prayer of faith gets what it asks for not something else.
Rachel listened to Sandra’s rant. Then she quietly said. God be merciful to me the sinner. Andy smiled and Sandra checked herself and said. I know it! I know it! That is the prayer the tax-gatherer prayed. Yes it is replied Rachel smiling at Sandra. Then turning to the group she asked and what did the Pharisee pray? The group looked it up and responded. God I thank thee that I am not like other people: Stop there Rachel interrupted. What is he doing Rachel asked? Thanking God. Andy replied but Sandra continued. Thanking God that he is not one of the non-elect, a homosexual, a non-believer, one who never heard, one who didn’t understand, one who God left veiled. Rachel turned to Sandra. That is not what the text says Sandra. I know but it is what Jesus means. Sandra replied. Rachel smiled again and asked Andy what else the Pharisee prayed.
Andy smiled too. The Pharisee said I fast…. Again Sandra interrupted saying, I said the sinner prayer, I tithe, I go to church every Sunday, I teach a Bible study, I ….. Rachel smiled again
Which person did Jesus say was justified asked Rachel. The tax-gatherer replied Andy. Do you think the tax-gather knew he was justified? Continued Rachel No, I don’t think he did. Said Sandra. Do you think the Pharisee knew he was justified? Asked Rachel. Yes, he did. Said Andy. So they were both wrong. Added Rachel.
Sandra and Andy looked at each other and both exclaimed. Not knowing can be better than knowing!!
Sandra whispered to Andy, not knowing about faith and prayer opens us up to learning. Andy nodded and they both looked at Rachel. She was gone.
0 Comments