02/21/2023
Tonight at Jesus Saves Men Ministries at Yosemite Church, my small group is studying Chapter 4 of "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis.
I couldn’t understand it myself so I found a layman’s terms summary: In this letter, Screwtape is talking to Wormwood, who is a beginner devil, and telling him that he doesn't understand how prayer works. Wormwood thinks that Screwtape's advice about prayer hasn't been effective, but Screwtape scolds him and tells him to take responsibility for his own mistakes. The goal of devils is to prevent humans from praying seriously. Many adults think that prayer is silly because they remember praying as children, when they didn't really understand it. Some people believe they can pray without saying anything or even without getting on their knees. Screwtape says it's weird that humans think devils give them evil thoughts when in fact a successful devil keeps thoughts out of their minds. Another way to mess with prayer is to encourage the person praying to focus on themselves instead of God. Screwtape warns Wormwood to encourage the patient to think of God in abstract terms rather than visualizing Him in specific places or objects. Humans don't actually want to feel God's presence as much as they think they do, and that's a big advantage for devils.
Now, As we reflect on the topic of prayer, we must turn to the example set by Jesus, who taught us how to pray. In the book of Matthew, we read about a time when Jesus' disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. Jesus responded with what we now call the Lord's Prayer.
In Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV), Jesus says: "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"
Through this prayer, Jesus teaches us several key elements of prayer. First, we must approach God with reverence and honor, recognizing Him as our heavenly Father. Second, we should ask for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Third, we are invited to ask God for our daily needs, including food, provision, and forgiveness. Fourth, we must be willing to forgive others as we have been forgiven. Finally, we should ask God to protect us from temptation and deliver us from evil.
Jesus' example of prayer shows us that we can come to God with all of our needs, big and small. He wants us to have a close and personal relationship with Him, and prayer is a key part of that relationship. As we pray, we must remember to trust in God's goodness, to seek His will above our own, and to thank Him for all that He has done for us.
Let us remember the words of Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
May we be encouraged to come to God in prayer with all of our worries, fears, and joys, knowing that He hears us and cares for us.
