Trisha Huffman | November 30, 2015
THEOLOGY OF PRAYER
RSV 2 Peter:2 …“I have aroused your sincere mind by way of reminder.”
This fall Mark, our pastor, asked, “what is your theology of prayer?” This brings to mind an incident that happened many years ago that forms my theology of prayer.
I pray immediately when a mnemonic reminds me of a particular person or issue in need of prayer. These reminders come in strange and many ways that I can’t share!
Today as I prepared this devotional, I thumbed through 21 years of Central Baptist’s Advent devotional books. My! How many authors’ names surfaced as I reread some of the devotionals. This was not the path I was headed through when I started writing!
It is emotional to see many of the names, as there are saints who have passed on, saints who moved away from Lexington, saints who moved to other worship experiences and saints who are still with us. Seeing these names and devotionals brings back thoughts like “this is the last one she wrote before her death” or “I wonder where this person is now and what they are doing?” Or “I hope they have found peace in their new surroundings.”
My theology of prayer is simple. When something triggers a memory, a devotional or perhaps a gift—like the brass horse note-holder that sits on my computer desk—I say a silent prayer for them asking particular strength for facing debilitating health issues. Or when I put on makeup and touch my forehead, cheeks and chin, I remember my Catholic friend who uses a similar routine in worship.
Yes, they are minute reminders, but they keep me praying in circles during the day. First Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing,” comes to mind as I remember and pray. It’s not a bad theology to have.
Seeing these booklets also brings to mind how things change. The first were printed on mimeograph paper with a simple cover. We progressed to bulletin covers, formatting, spell check and computer printouts. Today we deliver electronic devotionals and there are none to hold and reread as in years past. But saints will still appear as I continue to remember each in my circle of prayer.
Prayer: Father, as days turn into celebration of the birth of your Son, help us to remember and thank you for those who brought us to today, even those who lived thousands of years ago.
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