Pray Shamelessly

by Pat Lee

(Based on Luke 11:1-13; Gen 18:20-32; Ps 138)

The Lord’s Prayer has been spoken about many times by many different people in the past, and I don’t think I could add anything more to what has been said. Clearly, this passage in Luke is about prayer, but not just prayer. It is actually about life in general.
The first word that came to mind when I read the readings for today was ‘persistence’, and the second one was ‘perseverance’, so I was pleased to find that Elisabeth Johnson in her commentary (refer here) supported me in this thought. The word used in the Greek (in verse 8) is anaideia, which translates as persistence. But a better translation may have been shamelessness. I will come back to this.

Those of us who are parents and grandparents know how persistent children can be when they want something. “Mum, can I have some chocolate? Dad, when are you going to fix my bike? When can we go to the beach?” and, of course, when we’re going somewhere that takes a while, “Are we there yet?” They will ask a million times until they get what they want or are told very strongly not to ask again.

Last week we heard about Mary and Martha, and how Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the “better” thing when she sat at his feet and listened, rather than busying herself with all the preparing as Martha was doing. But today we hear that God also listens to us when we have issues that are bothering us for one reason or another. God wants to, and does, listen, even when we think he’s not. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares for you.”

But does God need us to keep praying persistently because we think that he is deaf, or is not listening? Or do we think once is enough and that God does not need to be bothered any further? No! God is not deaf and is always listening. Someone wrote, “Persistence in prayer is the test to determine whether or not we are really serious about our request.” And it is not just in prayer that we need to be persistent. That writer went on to say, “All worthwhile goals in life are reached by disciplined efforts. Why should we expect less in our prayer efforts?”

Just preceding this morning’s Genesis reading (in verse 17), God had considered not telling Abraham what he was about to do in Sodom, but then decides that he will tell him after all, having chosen Abraham to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that God may bring about what he had promised.

Then (verses 20 onwards) we hear a great example of persistence, perseverance or shamelessness.
Abraham had remained standing in the place he was in when God had spoken about the sin in Sodom and Gomorrah, while the others had moved towards Sodom. Now he begins asking the Lord if he was indeed going to sweep away the righteous as well as the wicked. What if fifty righteous people were found in Sodom?
Abraham kept asking boldly, some may even say, audaciously, until he got down to asking if just ten, or even five righteous people could be found. Abraham was persistent, even shameless, in his asking. We don’t know why he kept asking but perhaps it was because he knew his nephew Lot and his family lived there. If we read on in the following chapters we find that Lot was indeed saved from the destruction of Sodom, but not his wife (she was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back, when they had been told not to do that).

Another example of perseverance is in Luke 18 when a widow comes and persistently asks a judge for justice against an opponent. He finally gives in to her request.

So, to illustrate that God can be trusted to respond to our prayers, Jesus tells this parable of the persistent man who goes to a friend at midnight. Hospitality was of paramount importance in the biblical world, and when the guest arrived – even unexpectedly at midnight – there was no question that hospitality must be extended. But the man does not have the provisions to do so, so he goes to his friend to borrow some, even though he must wake up the entire household.

 I wonder how we would have reacted? I suspect some of us would have been pretty upset, even angry, especially with the persistent knocking on the door. Or, some of us may feel empathy for the woken friend. Elisabeth Johnson goes on to say that in the culture of the biblical world, it is the woken-up friend who is behaving badly. The ability of his friend to provide hospitality, and thus his honour, is at stake. The woken-up friend would incur dishonour if he failed to help in this essential obligation. So, he will respond because of social pressure at the very least.

Jesus then continues, “So I say to you, Ask and it will be given to you, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”(11:9-10)

Elisabeth Johnson feels that this is the most difficult part of the passage to teach, because our experience contradicts Jesus’s words. So often we have asked and not received; searched and not found. In spite of our most fervent prayers for their health and safety, we have lost loved ones. In spite of the fervent prayers of people around the world, daily we hear of tragedies of violence, hunger, disease, and natural disasters. If God is a loving parent who desires what is good and life giving (11-13), why do so many prayers seem to go unanswered? There is no simple answer to this question. One writer says, I don’t know why some prayers seem to be answered and others are not. I don’t have any good answers or explanations but I have heard some really bad ones: “You didn’t pray hard enough.” “You didn’t have enough faith.” “You were asking for the wrong thing.”

Psalm 138 is a prayer exhorting us to be persistent in prayer, praise of our God, and thankfulness for his unfailing love and faithfulness. David, the writer, also says that as soon as he prays, God answers him, encourages him by giving him strength. Maybe you feel that God doesn’t answer you straight away, but be assured, he does answer at the right time, God’s time, but it may not be what you had hoped for or expected.

So, we dare to be persistent in our prayers, to keep bringing our needs and hopes to our heavenly Father, because Jesus tells us to do so, as he himself did, trusting in God’s loving purpose for us, and remembering to give thanks. Again, the Psalm tells us to give thanks with our whole hearts. 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18 says, “Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

We should always thank God when we have asked, even before we receive the answer, because this shows we have faith in him.     

Choosing the Better

by Sharon Marr

(Based on Luke 10:38–42; Col 1:15-28; Amos 8:1–12)

Our readings today call us to recognise what truly matters. In a world busy with distractions, our Gospel reading could suggest to us that, like Martha, we often neglect the “better part” chosen by Mary — sitting at Jesus’s feet and just listening. In Colossians, Christ, the “image of the invisible God”, calls us into deep relationship, revealing God’s mystery and purpose, and reveals the secret:  Christ lives in us, waiting for our invitation. Meanwhile, Amos warns of a famine — not of bread, but of hearing God’s word. These passages together challenge us to centre our lives on Christ, seek the Word faithfully, and prioritise spiritual food over busyness or complacency, trusting that in Him all things hold together.  So in a nutshell I think it’s all about choices and listening.

Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary, two sisters whom he loved dearly. Martha is busy with all the preparations — cooking, cleaning, setting the table, etc, etc, etc.  Important things, we might say. Meanwhile, Mary does something unexpected. She sits at Jesus’s feet and listens to his teaching, and Jesus allows this, and thus, from this point onwards, elevating  the status of women by affirming Mary’s right to discipleship.  (Traditionally, only male disciples sat at their Teacher’s feet to study the Torah). This gender promotion is a huge deal.

Martha is frustrated. She probably bangs the pots and pans around heavily, and thumps the bowls on the table … and I understand why. She’s doing all the work, and her sister is just sitting there. So she says to Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
But Jesus replies: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Please notice Jesus doesn’t criticise Martha’s service — he really does care; but he gently corrects her distraction. Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong by preparing a meal. But by her choice, she was missing the greater gift — the presence and word of Jesus. Mary had chosen it, and Jesus says it will not be taken from her.

Even now, we face this choice: to be distracted by what we consider urgent, or to be drawn in by what really matters.   It’s easy to fill whatever spare time we have with worries, busyness, or even regrets. Jesus invites us here — gently and lovingly — to sit at his feet, like Mary, and listen to the Word that brings life. And not only on a Sunday.

Now let’s consider the harder, more sobering passage — from the prophet Amos.
Amos speaks to a people who have become comfortable and distracted by wealth, ritual and routine. They are ignoring the cries of the needy and treating worship as a formality. So God sends a warning through Amos: (I love this opening question from God) “What do you see, Amos?” When he’s shown a basket of fruit, Amos replies, “A basket of ripe fruit”. This so makes me think of our dear Steffan when he was about 5-ish.  He was coming up the stairs at our place carrying a stick and his beloved Uncle Roro said to him, “What you got there Steff – a sword or a gun?”  Steff looked at him scornfully, as five-year old boys can, and said, “It’s a stick!”

Sometimes we only see the immediate, don’t we. We don’t consider the possibilities and outcomes of our choices, as God is really telling Amos. “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Sovereign Lord, ‘when I will send a famine through the land — not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.’”

This is a terrifying idea — a time when people will long to hear from God but will not be able to. They will wander, searching for his Word, but they won’t find it.

Why such a severe judgment?
Because they had ignored God’s voice for so long. They had stopped listening. And eventually God gave them what they had chosen: silence.

Bringing these thoughts together, in Luke, Mary chooses to listen at Jesus’s feet, and she receives something eternal. In Amos, the people stop listening to God’s Word, and they end up in spiritual famine.
This is not about age or ability; it’s about attitude and attention. Both young and old must choose whether we will seek to listen to God’s voice or not.

There may be some who feel like the days of activity are behind them. But the truth is, these can be the richest days of spiritual growth. With fewer distractions and more time, we have a beautiful opportunity to become like Mary — to choose the better portion. We can choose to be listeners.
In fact, the older we grow, the more valuable God’s Word becomes.  As our bodies slow down, our spirits can rise.  Memory may fade, but the eternal truth of Scripture remains unchanged.
We as the team that worship with our friends at TRC [local rest home – Ed] have found this to be true. Many folk there choose to worship with us who haven’t been to church since they attended Sunday School, and some of our friends there have dementia of some type or other; but we see as they hear the familiar hymns and prayers their lips move in unison with ours. Once out of the blue our very dear friend Gay, during a time of prayer, opened her mouth and prayed a beautiful, most audible prayer from her heart.  Such is the power of God’s Word.  As friends and loved ones die, we cling more closely to the One who never leaves us.

Let’s focus again on Jesus’s words: “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Dear friends, isn’t this a promise worth clinging to? What we build with our hands may fall. What we save may be spent. What we know may slip away. But the Word we hide in our hearts — the faith we nurture — the relationship we deepen with God — will never be taken away.

So today, let’s choose the better. Sit at his feet. Open his Word. Let his voice be the one you listen for. And rejoice, because you have chosen what is eternal.

Let us pray:
From the haste and pressure of the world we come into your gentle silence.
From the loneliness of our separate cars and houses we come into your presence.
From the noise and shouting of the world we come to listen to your voice.
Speak to us, God. Beloved, sit with us and change our hearts. Amen.

Attitudes and Motivations

by Barry Pollard

(Based on Luke 10:1-11,16-20; 2 Kings 5:1-14; Gal 6:7-16)

What a blessing we have today that our three Bible readings have threads that overlap and interweave to provide us with plenty of food for thought, reminders to seek forgiveness and ultimately to change the way we are living our lives.

Now, my preferred genre when I read is historical fiction. That is, fictional tales woven around historical fact. So when I encounter Old Testament stories I tend to view them with the same enthusiasm, like the Kings reading this morning. Although we are going to learn things from it, it is a great little tale in its own right, don’t you think?

Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army. He was a ‘big wheel’! He occupied a very powerful position. You would expect, if you met him, that he was physically imposing and quick of mind and judgment. He would have been a leader in battle, providing the battle plans and heading the charge. We are told that he was admired by his king because he was a successful campaigner.
But Naaman suffered from leprosy, a disease which would normally be terminal, and one that would set the sufferer apart from others for fear of contagion.

The suggestion from Naaman’s wife’s servant girl, that he should visit “the prophet in Samaria” for a cure, was taken up and Naaman led an entourage bearing rich gifts to the King of Israel, for the cure. As the King of Israel dithered, Elisha, the prophet of God, stepped in and offered to cure Naaman. When Naaman arrived at Elisha’s house, Elisha sent a servant out to tell Naaman that to be cured he needed simply go and wash seven times in the River Jordan!
But instead of heeding the advice, Naaman became angry. Because of his position, his status, he had expected a personal appointment with Elisha, complete with dramatic gestures, ceremony, ritual and holy healing. He was most upset when a servant was sent to tell him to go wash in the Jordan! This was far from what he was expecting. It was too simple. He was having none of it. He stormed off.

The concluding verses of the reading, however, are where reason is brought to bear: But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!‘” The result: “Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!”

You see, when Naaman obeyed the prophet Elisha’s simple instruction in humility, he was healed.

Now, if you are at church today [or reading this – Ed] you are here because God has a calling on your life. All of us are undergoing a transformation, from our old lives to being new creations in Christ. We are not all at the same stage but I am suggesting that the lesson Naaman learned is one we should all be mindful of. Are we missing God’s grand plan for us because we’re too proud to obey in small, ordinary ways? Does our pride get in the way? Think about it.

The New Testament reading from Galatians fits nicely with the thread developed in Kings: in the Galatians reading, the apostle Paul is advising his audience to be mindful of how they are being transformed. He says we shall each harvest what we sow. He says we should live to please the Spirit because we will receive eternal life from the Spirit. Living this way means, however, that our lives will be ones of service, not to self but to others. Doing what is good will bring us a harvest of blessing. He goes on: true spirituality is not found in religious show (like circumcision) but in being a new creation in Christ. And wasn’t Paul a wonderful example of God’s transformation. From persecutor to apostle! And his only boast was it was all down to the cross of Christ. This is the only thing, he says, that changes our focus from ourselves, and the world, to Jesus and others.

Then the Gospel of Luke describes one of the ways Jesus set about expanding his ministry. He selected a group of seventy-two from his disciples and prepared them to go out into a dangerous and unforgiving world. As we heard, this was not a walk in the park. His call to go out came with daunting conditions: they were to take no money with them, they were to take no extra clothes, they were to rely on those they encountered for sustenance. In fact, what Jesus was calling them to do was to depend on him..
Verse 17 tells us that this proved to be very successful. “When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to Him, ‘Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!’” But while their ministry had resulted in the casting out of demons and healing, Jesus reminded them that he had given them authority over “all power of the enemy”, and that their rejoicing over their successes as his workers should be replaced by rejoicing in the fact that they were Heaven-bound.

The challenge in this account is, what is the motivation for his workers? And don’t forget, we are his workers. Are we motivated by our results and reputation? Or do we serve for the glory of God?

I don’t know if you heard but this week the American televangelist Jimmy Swaggart died, aged 90. His early ministry was one of phenomenal growth and global impact, not to mention phenomenal wealth. At the height of its success his ministry was bringing in $140 million a year, through his television broadcasts and marketing of merchandise to millions of viewers in a hundred countries. But like so many enterprises that humans get involved in, the wheels fell off when he was caught out frequenting prostitutes. [Reference – Ed] What probably started out as the service of God and his kingdom ended up being self-serving and base. It degenerated to self-indulgence and money for money’s sake.

Remember in the Galatians reading, Paul said, “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the family of faith.”
In these two verses I hear Paul saying, “Just hang in there. Just keep plugging away. And look out for your brothers and sisters, as they will look out for you.”
The preceding verses in the chapter deal with resolving conflict (within the church of Galatia). In them, Paul emphasises that there are different priorities and methodologies that can be applied. He points out there are responsibilities for those “who have been taught the Word”. There are expectations and a calling to live up to. There is a standard to keep. We have a responsibility to help one another.

If we reflect further on the Jimmy Swaggart story we could ask, where were those brothers and sisters that were supposed to be looking out for and helping him? Wouldn’t we expect them to be alongside, sharing his burdens, turning him from his temptations, helping him get over himself, refocussing his attention on God? That is living up to expectations. That is following God’s calling.

This thinking has an application to the Gospel characters. In addition to the reminder Jesus gave the chosen 72 disciples, that they were to look past their feelings of personal success, the other ordinary followers would have had a part to play in helping them maintain their God-focus. They would have been around those chosen, sharing that responsibility to keep them grounded and focussed, keeping their ‘self’ out of the equation of success.

And if you think about it we, ordinary followers, share a similar responsibility in our church. Just hanging in there in the small things. Just plugging away at the difficult or long term things. And looking out for our brothers and sisters as we know they will be looking out for us. Combining our talents to share the load. All for the glory of God!

So, where do we stand?

In our self-examination do we find we have pride in our perceived power or status? Do we have pride in our keeping of the faith? Do we hold ourselves above others? Do we boast in our human achievements? And if so, how do we change that?

I found a couple of useful ‘assists’ in my devotional readings this week, and I’ll share this one:
Researchers carried out a study asking subjects to perform a simple finger­-tapping exercise. As subjects tapped, an MRI scan was done to identify what part of the brain was being activated. The subjects then practised the finger-tapping exercise daily for four weeks. At the end of the four-week period, the brain scan was repeated. In each instance, it revealed that the area of the brain involved in the task had expanded. That simple practised task of finger-­tapping recruited new nerve cells and rewired neural connections.

The author went on to explain that when we read Scripture on a regular (and, dare I say, daily) basis, we are recruiting new nerve cells and rewiring neural connections. In computer-speak, we are downloading a new operating system that reconfigures the mind. We stop thinking human thoughts and start thinking God thoughts.

Why should we do this? Apostle Paul says: “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” (Colossians 3:16)

Through preaching, teaching, reading and singing, our brains are rewired with God’s word, and we develop the mind of Jesus. And that means we end up doing his will instead of being led by our own will. So keep ‘rewiring’ your mind with God’s word. Listen to or read Scripture often, and we’ll find God-thoughts come to mind more readily, pushing our me-thoughts out of the way.

Our readings have shown us that we are to be humble and obedient servants. We should be focussed on being Spirit-led in our service, transformed through God’s grace and power, showing the fruits of his love and justice, putting pride in self to the sword.

If you are like me, it is often an internal debate as to how we’ll act in any given situation. I’m talking about those times when whatever is going on is stirring you to some form of involvement. What should I say? What should I do?
Well, I found this further insight that might be useful. “Pride says, ‘Don’t just stand there; say something!’ Wisdom says, ‘Don’t just say something; stand there!’” How many times do we hear about folk who have suffered great loss being comforted by friends who just sit with them? No words needed, just their presence. And I see that as the bottom line in our takeaways from these readings today. We just have to be here – for God and each other, in the congregation, listening, affirming, serving.

I found this lovely concluding prayer that sums up how we might respond to the messages we have heard today:

Compassionate God, who strengthens us for the journey of faith, we offer ourselves in response to your call to sow seeds of love and justice. May our offerings build up the family of faith and extend your grace to the world beyond. Help us not to grow weary in doing good but to serve with joy and perseverance, trusting that the harvest of your Spirit will bear fruit in due season. Unite us as your new creation, made whole through Christ’s love and empowered by your Spirit. In gratitude, we dedicate to you all that we have, all that we are and all that we shall become. Amen.

Unexpected people. Unlikely places. Unscripted encounters.

by Barry Pollard

(Based on John 14:23-29; Acts 16:9-15; Ps 67)

“Are you a believer?” or “Are you a follower?”
The difference, without having to get into a theological debate, can be explained in a sporting analogy: a believer is like a spectator, while a follower is like a player. One is passive, the other active. In this season of Eastertide we are being encouraged to live out our beliefs, turning our thoughts into deeds. That had a big impact on me during last week’s service.
Last week we heard that our love for one another shows the world that we are followers of Christ (John 13:35). By caring for each other we are demonstrating our commitment to following his way. This week, following on in the same vein, I hope you will hear that our open hearts are vital to our giving and, for some us, our receiving!

Consulting a variety of sources (attempting to bring our readings together this week), I came across one that identified a simple theme running through our lectionary sampling: that of ‘open hearts leading to open homes (or hospitality)’. Two themes that seem appropriate for us here at St Francis Church.

I love the introduction to Psalm 67, “May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favour on us.” You may remember that wonderful rendition of The Blessing Aotearoa that was released in Covid times, that begins in similar fashion.
In brief, the Psalm acknowledges God’s place in all our lives and reminds us that we have a response to make to that place. His love for us, shown by his mercy, blessings and favour, is received and lived out in our worship, praise and openness to bringing others to the same understanding.
“Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us.  Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear him.”
He first loves us, and we respond by loving him and others.

Please understand that the psalmist is not describing a ‘transactional’ relationship. Nor is he describing a self-focussed relationship. We don’t do things to earn God’s favour. Nothing we do is just for ourselves. We access God’s favour to bless others. It has to involve others. It has to be shared. The psalmist’s language refers to the whole world – it is global. He isn’t talking about private faith – rather it is missional faith. It is about opening hearts. All hearts. When God blesses us with peace, with provision, with salvation, it’s never just for us. It’s to bring light to the world. It isn’t just for believing. It is for following!

The Acts reading is an account of how the Gospel message was being taken to “the ends of the earth”. In it, the man in Paul’s vision was Macedonian, from northern Greece. The man’s plea was simple. “Come and help us.” Paul, accompanied by Silas, left at once, believing that God was sending them to preach the Gospel there.

When they arrived, instead of a man they met a woman, Lydia. Lydia was a businesswoman, a merchant in expensive textiles, and she worshipped God. As they preached to the gathering, her heart was opened and she received the good news! She and her household were baptised and she invited Paul and Silas to be her guests, opening her home to them.

This is the Holy Spirit at work. Unexpected people. Unlikely places. Unscripted encounters. Lydia’s response to the Gospel was she opened her home. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home.” One account I read described her home as the first ‘home group’ in Philippi, a seed of the Philippian church we read about later in Scripture. When God opens hearts, hospitality becomes mission. Lydia didn’t preach a sermon, she set a table.

The Gospel reading takes this another few steps forward. “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.”
Jesus offers not just a table, but the ultimate act of hospitality. He makes his home in us.

When we love Jesus and live his word we are not just believers, we are followers.  And his gift is the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence. He lives with us! The Spirit dwells within us, teaches us, reminds us of Christ, and gives us peace. Not temporary peace. Not circumstantial peace, but Christ’s own peace. This is the peace that Psalm 67 hopes for among the nations. This is the peace Lydia surely felt when she opened her home. This is the peace that “surpasses understanding” (Phil 4:7), and stays with us even in our troubles.

So, how do we deal with all this? How do we make it our own? How do we move beyond belief to be real followers of Christ?

I reckon it goes something like this:
Listen for the Spirit’s leading. Like Paul, we must be open to hearing from God, willing to go where God calls, even if the vision doesn’t match the expected.
Be open to God’s word and be open to others. Like Lydia, we must be open to using what we have: our homes, our gifts, our tables … all for God’s Kingdom.
Let God make his home in us. Jesus invites us to love him, to keep his word, and receive the indwelling peace that only he gives.

Then we too will become part of the great deployment of God’s grace in the world. So, let’s ask God to open hearts today, starting with our own.