Getting Things

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Matthew 6:5-8

Well, after all this time we’re finally getting somewhere or so you think. Last time we looked at the ethics of getting attention and now we’ll see how to go about getting things. There’s a lot of stuff we desperately need. Needs are all required to live, if you will. Wants are things you can do fine without if you had to perhaps in a pinch. This is where the whole quandry between your needs and your wants finally comes in. Let’s take a moment and think of some needs. You need air to breathe, good food to eat, and clean water to drink. All that’s a given, else you won’t live. God himself recognizes the value of such as he steps in to take care time and again. We also need clothes to wear and a safe place to live, though perhaps not quite as much. Sure, I thought all that was settled though long ago right after the fall. Else had man continued, he would have been little more than just a glorified angel. Well, we could’ve done without the glorified part I would think. That’s best when it’s reserved for the Lord. Alright, let’s say that a quick way to get around from one place to the next is also on the list of our needs. I mean, when you live a long way from everything else it kind of is a need, isn’t it. Then let’s look at where the wants come creeping on in. Wants as I recall are kind of spur of the moment things you just happen to think. It might be as simple as going on vacation or learning transcendental meditation. Which, I don’t recommend you doing, by the way. There’s far better things to end up doing besides learning the power to quiet your mind. Just consider of a world in which you haven’t reason to think. That’s just the problem with this matter right here. The Pharisees also had the habit of going to God in prayer right where they stood. I mean certainly, there are times you should ask for some help. One of them is when those wants badly are needed or the needs wanted enough. Then its like a child going to the Father in prayer asking the daddy for this thing or that. Such prayers made in faith our God will certainly hear. How he delights to answer the prayers made of his children. I mean, he’s the only one with the power to do anything about it, you see. Back then, people had problem a little bit different. You or I don’t see it that much in our day perhaps due to times or the culture but if you think about it though, our God has not changed. We have, which is why we’re having this talk. Let’s say the Pharisees came in the form of Levites fresh from the temple. Some of these sure had a few tithes or offerings with them I guess. Just think of all the animal sacrifices offered up then. Levitical law required the priests each get a portion to have something to eat. It was compensation then of sorts in return for serving the Lord. The other issue is when sacrifices were few or unable. Perhaps a famine ravaged the land. Maybe times like today sure were a-changing. Funny thing is though, our Lord never did. He understands now just as surely as then and perhaps a lot more so. When it comes to everything needed for the human condition that we are calling this life, the Lord already knows. We tell him about it anyway not to inform him but to allow him to do something about it. Another thing, when you pray, don’t say the same thing over and over again. You’re not taking orders for a deaf waiter say at your favorite sit-down spot for a meal. You’re serving the risen King who holds the whole world in his hands and most certainly will do something about it. Alright, now consider this sene. There’s the Pharisees all gathered with trumpets ready to have a good blow. They’ve found an open place say on the side of the road and are doing quite well. Now along comes a group of people in need of attention. They’d like some food, more than likely just to be sure, since back in that day Jesus did a lot of feeding the thousands. Only trouble with that was the Pharisees either weren’t Levite or were all out of food from the temple. There’s no one around and you can imagine they’re hungry like everyone else awaiting a meal. What would these do but bow their head right then and there in the church or in open sight to ask for the meal. That’s wonderful, it sounds like. Except it does not when you’re the ones to whom these do minister. Then it’s not exactly a comforting sight watching your esteemed leader have a nervous breakdown themselves over the food. As a leader, it goes right in line with the advice ‘don’t scare your people.’ God is not dead nor has he gone on a trip as some would suppose. You’re also not trying to call up someone in the community who has something to care for the need. You’re asking God for his help not by chance everyone else. If you should find yourself wishing to do that instead, go ahead and make that announcement. It probably would be better to do that than to bow your head praying, answer the same by means of your own good devices, and say it came from the Lord. That’s just not a very good option. Nor is it an ethical one as you can already tell. Surely there has got to be a better way to respond.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13

After this manner tells how we should pray. Since there is a being way up there high in the sky that knows how to proceed and respond based on our prayers, let’s do just what it says. This prayer, at first glance is divided into sections by each. It starts off with acknowledgement of our Father in Heaven. He’s sovereign you see, quite unlike you or me. Then, we ask for his will to fill us instead. It’s either that or no way at all cause he’s sovereign you see. Next, we pray for everything needed such as something to eat. Then after, we pray for forgiveness for ourselves and others that is so desperately needed. Because he’s sovereign, it also makes him quite holy. That means none dare to trespass against his people or else that of his throne. It ends up as we pray for deliverance granted from both the trials we face of this life and the ones that overcome us instead. After all that, there remains the sufficiency of God. That’s why we run to him and no other when all has been said and done to us all instead. That way, when we finally have whatever we ask, we’ll be able to so enter on into our blessings knowing they came only from God. My, I couldn’t think of a better way to end up. He keeps us all in peace and safety doesn’t he, and so provides us with everything needed for a life well-lived for his Son.