License to Pray

In the realm of spy fiction and movies, James Bond was famously issued a license to kill  by Her Majesty's Government.  In the real world, no such power exists (or at least none that anybody has ever admitted to).  This is a good thing, practically and philosophically.  Still, the concept offers an opportunity to contemplate the idea of deputizing power.  Traditionally, it has been the state, whether embodied in the person of an absolute monarch or an elected government, that has been seen as legitimately exercising such authority.  Delegating this ability, something that happens when soldiers take to the battlefield or police use lethal force, is an exercise in trust.  It is one that carries risks.  The hope is that it will be used judiciously, discretely, and wisely.  This does not always happen.

There are other areas in life where power is delegated.  Consider prayer.  God has given each of us and all of us a direct line of communication.  As Creator of the Universe, King of Kings, the Lord Almighty, God could easily wall himself of from us.  Instead, he invites us to talk at any time about anything.  What an amazing display of trust!  God opens the door, picks up the line, keeps checking the mail, expecting that we will reach out to him in prayer.  Talk about a license to do something.  In one sense, we are called to use wisdom and caution when we pray - is such and such or so and so something we really want to bring to God's attention?  In another, we're called to throw caution to the wind - to be confident that we can bring anything to God in prayer.

As Lent begins to come to a close, I hope, I pray that we will each make use of the license to pray that each of us has received from God, that we will offer prayers of gratitude, penitence, supplication, intercession, and praise, in faith and with love.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 51:1-18: Sacrifice

During Lent people often talk about the things they've given up as a sacrifice.  That offering can seem like a burden.  Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's not.  It's good when we part with something that matters so that we can deepen our faith.  It's not when in doing so, we act as if we're doing God some kind of favor, one that deserves praise and acknowledgment.  The psalmist, along with the prophets and others in Scripture, not to mention Jesus, knew this reality.  They knew that it was all too easy for people to fake sacrifice, to look like they were doing something for God but in reality were doing something to boost their own reputation righteousness.  Here, in verses 17 and 18 and Psalm 51 we are told what God really seeks from us: not an animal on an altar, but real introspection and an honest accounting of our sins.  "Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.  The sacrifice o
Read more

Shortest Day

Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.  You've probably heard by now about the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, which should be quite a sight.  Of course, this being 2020, the sky will probably be overcast obscuring this celestial event. But rather than be pessimistic, I will indulge in some optimism, some hope, that we will be able to see what has been dubbed "The Christmas Star" - even though Christmas isn't until the 25th and Jesus was likely born in March.  Still, it's the thought that counts, right?  Advent is all about hopeful anticipation, and we're coming to its glorious conclusion. I choose to welcome Christ with an open heart.  What about you?  Will you join me?  Will you look heavenward, confident that, clouds or no clouds, Our Lord is coming to be with us?
Read more

Girl Power

I honestly don't know whether referring to "girl power" is, as they now say, "problematic."  I use it with reference to today's Scripture readings with only the greatest of respect.  The stories of Scripture are as much about women as they are men.  Consider Hannah, mother of Samuel, and Mary, mother of Jesus, who were two strong, empowered women whose faith guided their lives, example and morals shaped their sons, and witness that inspired the faithful for generations.  As we approach Christmas, let us remember these two women who have done so much to shape the faith through their commitment, grit, and love.
Read more