God is not here for us but rather, we are here for God. In all aspects of our relationship, we are creation and God is creator and by virtue of our position in that relationship, we are here to serve and worship. God is simply here. Not here to serve our needs. But because of God’s nature, God’s “bleeding heart” if you will, that cannot without reservation give and provide, we are constantly and consistently given everything we need. And because we, as creation, for whatever reason – call it sin – a reason for which we cannot find or fathom the origin (but we create stories to describe – rebellions and fallen angels included), are needy and fearful, we turn incessantly, and without capability to do otherwise, to religious activity. And by definition, these religions come to God for safety and security, protection and provision. And so we have created our own image of God – a God who acts like we act (e.g. brings retribution when wronged) and provides what we need.
But what of all the actual prayers in the Bible themselves that provide avenues and vehicles for supplication? Doesn’t this fact that Scripture themselves give voice to a relationship where God is responsive to human invocation and provocation provide evidence that our relationship really is interactive? Rather than giving proof of God giving interventionist response to our declared needs, I’m inclined to say it simply does provide an outlet for what is real – our need and fear – and does provide descriptions for a sustaining and always adequate provision. Prayers provide comfort space and time to live in the relationship. They do not manipulate God.
When we ask God for help, will God do so? Well, yes, of course, but not because of the request. God is…..always…..helping. It’s what God does. It’s what God is. God is creator. Always creating. Creating space, time, provision, and possibilities. It’s not our asking that triggers a response – it’s our asking that triggers the possibility to see any response as provided by the creator.
Scripture’s prayers of supplication give voice to our necessity to reach out. They are, in that sense, so honest. But do not tell me my prayer determines or influences God’s loving creativity. Maybe this is why the Psalms end so much in words concerning trust, waiting and acceptance. This is where we end up. But see, it’s really where we (should) start. A supplication out of trust is a prayer of the faithful and faith-full.
When we get this straight, this orientation of our relationship with God – God is not here to serve our needs but rather we are here to serve God’s mission (purpose) – then all dimensions of our life change, including how we talk with God and how we expect things to be fixed when we need them to be.
