Call Dad

“Call Dad”
Mark 14:32-42
Rev. Clark Lynn Callender, 3/21/10

In a reflection on some of the ordinary struggles of the life of faith, Christian author Barbara Doll of Upper Saddle River, NJ offers the following illustration regarding one of the central elements of faith, namely: PRAYER. And she writes:
“Recently, my friend Bob was trying to teach his young daughter, Jenny, how to say grace before meals. After a few weeks of coaching, Bob decided Jenny was ready to say grace all by herself. Jenny started out fine, thanking God for her mommy and daddy and brother and sister and for the rolls and the salad, etc. She then ended with a big, ‘And thank you, God, for the spaghetti!’ and lifted her head, quite pleased with herself.
“The tradition in Bob’s house, however, was to end each prayer with ‘In Jesus’ name, Amen.’ So Bob prompted Jenny: ‘And thank you, God, for the spaghetti in...’ ‘In...’ ‘In...?’
“Poor Jenny became confused, and wasn’t quite sure what to say. Finally, taking her best shot, she said, ‘And thank you, God, for the spaghetti in... tomato sauce? Amen.’”
You ever experience something of this same kind of confusion when it comes to PRAYER? Not quite sure what to say? Not quite sure if you’re doing it right?
It has been said that “Prayer if the lifeblood of the journey of faith.” It’s what makes everything happen: our connection to God; God’s richest blessings to us; our faith alive and active and vital... It all hinges on prayer; but let’s face it: It’s often a very difficult, confusing, dry, dreary, sometimes seemingly pointless activity. I don’t know about you, but as long as I’ve been a Christian, I’ve struggled with my prayer life. I know it’s crucial, but I wrestle with it.
Well this is what I would like to talk about this morning: PRAYER. How can we improve our prayer life?

In our reading today it is Thursday of Holy Week and Jesus has just celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples and is now about to be betrayed by Judas and arrested by the authorities. The evil and violence that is seeking to consume and destroy him is just about to pounce. And what does Jesus do as the very last thing before this crucial moment that will ultimately define his whole ministry and mission? How does he “prep” himself for it?
He PRAYS. He goes to the Garden of Gethsemane and prays. Prayer is how he enables himself to do what has to be done.
Now some may ask: “How can Jesus pray to God when JESUS IS GOD?” And that’s a great question. Something of the answer is this:
First of all, in becoming God INCARNATE – that is, in taking on HUMAN FORM; the things we must do as human beings (in “earthen vessels”) become part of what God must do as well. That is, as this is how we communicate with God, so this is how God as us must communicate with God! And we see this “full humanity” that God is taking upon himself here in Jesus’ wrestling with the fears and the pain that are before him.
But even better, what is happening here is that we are being let in on an INTERNAL DISCUSSION WITHIN GOD. Picture it this way: As you go about your day, don’t you often debate, and almost discuss, issues in your own mind – within yourself? Well, we are created “in the image of God” – elements of who we are reflect elements of the Divine nature.
Thus here, in effect, in this prayer, we are graciously let in on some of the INNER THOUGHTS of God himself – ultimately showing God’s choice of our salvation over the cost to him. And, in a very practical way, in Jesus’ example, then shown how to pray as well – this relationship that Jesus has through prayer being opened to us as well, for in our baptism and faith in him we are made to share in everything that is his.
Basically, Jesus demonstrates POWERFUL PRAYER here – the kind of prayer that provides the resources for the most difficult moments of life. What do we learn? Well, let’s look at how Jesus goes about praying here...
(I)
To begin with, notice that Jesus begins by praying PRE-EMPTIVELY. That is: Does he wait UNTIL he is arrested to start praying? No. He prays BEFORE he’s arrested. It’s a simple little detail, but it’s crucial...
Let’s face it: Most of us wait until we’re in trouble before we pray; and even then, we generally only pray once all other avenues have been exhausted. It’s a last resort. You’ll often even hear people say, “There’s nothing left to do but pray.”
Wrong! Prayer should be the FIRST not the LAST thing we do!
Now, understand: God doesn’t reject desperation prayers. God honors them just as much as any prayer. The difficulty is that by the time we offer such prayers the problem is, obviously, already upon us – damage has happened which possibly could have been avoided if we had gone to God ahead of time – brought our lives regularly to him. Basically: Don’t just pray when you need something; pray even more when you don’t need anything!
This is the first rule of powerful prayer: Pray! That is: Don’t just think about it, do it! START TODAY! Don’t wait. Don’t put it off. Resolve to pray, at least a little bit, every day. During the day, pray every time the Spirit moves you. Start with whatever you’ve got – even if it’s just 30 seconds where you stop and talk to God about what you’re feeling. It’s crucial.
Why?
Because it establishes the fundamental RELATIONSHIP that creates peace within one’s heart. Because it enables God to GUIDE us away from certain problems and thus avoid them altogether. And because, for the problems we must face, it enables us to be PREPARED for them so that we can handle them better. It’s like getting ready for a job interview, or going to a doctor for a second opinion on some condition, or dealing with some difficult situation: If you can prepare ahead of time, you do better! Start today! Just do it! Preacher Ron Hutchcraft writes:
“It’s no fun to be sick over the holidays, and my wife was. Much of the family was together for Thanksgiving, but she was the one person who just felt too sick to join the festivities. She had more than a 101-degree fever, swollen glands, a burning sore throat, and a full nose and ears. Nothing fatal, just real ‘feeling crummy’ stuff. And she didn’t want to give any of us a Thanksgiving gift that we would not be very thankful for. Now, our daughter and son-in-law and two grandsons weren’t able to be with the rest of the family, so we connected by phone that day, and each of them passed the phone around so we could talk to them all. And I, of course, asked each one if they would pray for their grandma. And each person said they would. Except for our little two-year-old treasure. When I asked him if he would pray for Grandma that day, I suddenly heard something like this on his end of the line: ‘Jesus, pray Grandma, sick, better, Amen, Good-bye.’ He just jumped right in and started at it!
“Now, remember that Jesus didn’t say little children need to become like us adults to belong to Him - He said we need to become like little children. That day when my grandson just started in praying is a good example of why. Everyone said they would pray for Grandma, and I’m sure they did. Later. Not the little guy! He started right in praying immediately. Not a bad idea. How many times have we sincerely promised we’d pray for someone or something - and forgotten? And thus the moment, and the blessing, was lost?”
Rule #1 of powerful prayer: Pray. START TODAY. Moving on...
(II)
Jesus then begins his prayer. And notice that it’s a very BRIEF prayer – in English (depending on the translation, and which version of the Gospel you’re using) it’s just 18 to 22 words. A reminder to us that our prayers don’t have to be complicated and involved in order to be effective.
It’s like the old joke about the lawyer in church one day who prayed: “Lord, we respectfully request, and entreat, that due and adequate provisions be made this day and the date hereinafter subscribed, for the organizing of such methods and allocations and distribution as may be deemed necessary to properly assure the reception by and for said petitioner of such quantities of baked cereal products as shall, in the judgment of the aforementioned parishioners, constitute a sufficient supply thereof.” Translation: “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Jesus prayed SIMPLY and in this his prayer begins: “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible...”
Now, the word “Abba” is the affectionate term for Father – we might translate it as “Dad” or “Daddy”. Basically, he “calls Dad” - in modern vernacular, Jesus’ prayer begins like this: “Daddy, I know you can do anything!”
Don’t you remember, as a child, thinking that way about your earthly father? This is how Jesus demonstrates one is to come to God: almost CHILDLIKE. He prays AFFECTIONATELY and CONFIDENTLY – his God is loving and powerful and works miracles. And this is the next thing he is trying to inspire in us: That we come to God the same way – childlike, affectionate, confident. Believing in a God who loves us overwhelmingly, who longs (like any parent) to give good things to us, and has the power to work wonders.
Do you remember how often in Jesus’ teachings (regarding prayer) he talked about the importance of BELIEF? His point was not that if you just believe hard enough you will get whatever you want; but rather, that if you believe your prayer has been heard by a loving, powerful God who wants the best for you – trust in that - that will open you to receiving the amazing thing God has for you in answer to your prayer.
This is the second rule of powerful prayer: EXPECT MIRACLES of a loving “Daddy!” Maybe not exactly what you request (as with Jesus himself here who doesn’t receive what he initially requests) but always something FAR BETTER!
You know, recently I read about this woman named Dawn Weiss. Her life was falling apart. Dawn, a recovering alcoholic, moved to Tennessee after the California earthquake in 1994. She got a job there as a waitress and enrolled in school. But Dawn never really dealt with the stress of the earthquake, of moving, of leaving loved ones and being alone and the strain of working while going to school. Stress was building up on her. One night Dawn was ready to give up – particularly, she felt drawn to drink. She prayed for help, but didn't feel any better. God didn’t seem to answer. That day at the end of her rope, Dawn decided that after work that night she was going to go out drinking.
When Dawn got to work, she noticed that every single customer in the restaurant was wearing a button that read, “I am a friend of Bill W.” Bill W. is the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous and this slogan helps AA members discreetly recognize one another. To Dawn’s surprise, there was a huge Alcoholics Anonymous convention in town that weekend. All the customers in her restaurant that night were attending it. After Dawn shared her own struggle with addiction with one of them, a group of customers offered to stay with her that night and protect her from drinking.
Dawn Weiss had prayed for help and God sent her a whole convention of people who understood her problem. That’s how God works!
It has been said: “Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance... it is laying hold of his highest willingness.” Rule #2 of powerful prayer: EXPECT MIRACLES. Which leads us into - Jesus’ actual request...
(III)
Jesus says, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible. Remove this cup from me; yet not what I want, but what you want.”
Jesus begins with a blunt request for what he wants: “Remove this cup from me.” That is: “Get me out of this. Make this not have to happen. Find another way.”
Notice: Jesus prays HONESTLY. He makes his SPECIFIC REQUEST for what HE DESIRES. Now, lot of people are uncomfortable doing this. Many people often say that they find it difficult to make a specific personal request for themselves in prayer. And it’s understandable: it’s humility, not feeling worthy of pushing our desire on God. But notice what happens in the text:
Jesus prays honestly – he requests specifically what he wants for himself, he doesn’t avoid it; but then from this, having said it, having sort-of “put it out there”, he begins to move to the thing he wants even more, namely: God’s ultimate will in the situation.
Now will come back to this issue of God’s will in a moment; but notice what Jesus demonstrates here:
He begins with his specific initial request. But then, having stated it; he reflects upon it, thinks about it... and ultimately MOVES to his DEEPER DESIRE – what he really wants MOST OF ALL. And this process is central to what prayer is meant to be:
Prayer is not just reciting a laundry list of request and demands of God. Prayer is RELATIONSHIP – It’s bringing our true selves to God; and then sharing that, reflecting upon it, exploring it. It’s a time, in discussion with God, to FOCUS our lives – to THINK about what REALLY MATTERS.
You know, a lot of times, we don’t really think about our prayers – and it causes all sorts of problems. It’s like...
I remember once hearing a preaching colleague tell about how, in his 20’s he was a paid vocal soloist. A bass-baritone, he would go around and sing at various churches. Well, one Sunday morning he was at this church ready to sing his solo when he noticed a fly buzzing around, bothering him. So he said a quick prayer, “O Lord, please get rid of this fly.”
The organist then began the introduction to his solo, he opened his mouth to begin... and the fly shot into his mouth!
Needless to say, his solo was ended instantly!
God had answered his prayer – just not the way he expected! He hadn’t thought his prayer through!
Rule #3 of powerful prayer: DIG DEEPER. That is: Start with where you honestly are. Don’t be afraid to make specific selfish requests. After all, sometimes the most outrageous things we ask for, God is happy to give us – he was just waiting to see if we would actually ask, whether or not we really wanted it that much!
Make your request; but then THINK about it: explore it, discuss it, examine it... MOVE DEEPER to what you really MOST WANT. For this is what God will actually act upon, and the difference between the two often causes confusion – and for us to miss what God is doing, how God is answering our prayers. As here with Jesus:
He first prays to get out. But then moves deeper to wanting to fulfill his mission. God doesn’t grant the first request; but does the second: Following this time of prayer we will see Jesus filled with strength and resolve. He will now go through everything before him with profound dignity.
Now this doesn’t come easily. Jesus prays the same thing REPEATEDLY. And that’s the point: It’s this repeated, difficult process of seeking to move deeper.
Think of it this way: Let’s say that someone you love is sick and you pray for their healing. A very common prayer. Well, as you offer such prayer, think: “Is this what I ultimately want for this person? What do I MOST WANT for them? Merely physical healing? Or even more, an awareness of my love for them? An awareness of God’s love for them? The faith that, no matter what happens, God has a hold of them and life doesn’t end? To simply be happy? For a child: The possibility for them to experience the fullness of life God called them to?”
Now, these requests, you see, are very different from the original request. Some can even be fulfilled without granting the original. It depends upon the situation – and each situation is different. And God knows what’s best. But seeking this deeper purpose is crucial to our understanding what’s going on and being part of it, receiving it and recognizing it.
Rule #3 of powerful prayer: DIG DEEPER. Which brings us to our conclusion...
(IV)
Jesus prays, “Not my will but thine be done.” Jesus ultimately moves from the very normal human desire for SELF to the deeper desire to fulfill what GOD WILLS, to do his part in that.
Now, what is it that God wills?
Obviously: the salvation of the whole world. That not a single person might be lost to the pain and death of sin; but might come to know God’s overwhelming love.
Basically, Jesus moves from seeking self to seeking participation in the saving work of God’s love. And this is the final lesson for us all here –
Rule #4 of powerful prayer: SEEK PARTICIPATION. That is, lift up your own concerns; but as you do, seek, even more, within them, to somehow be used to help someone else - to be an instrument of God’s love reaching out to another.
When a loved one is sick – Pray for their healing; but also pray that, as you go through the medical process, you might be used to help them and any others you come in contact with to know God’s love for them.
When you yourself are in the hospital awaiting surgery or tests - frightened, unsure, praying for God for help... Also pray that you might be empowered to reach out to everyone you meet with the love of Jesus Christ.
When you’re facing financial problems, work problems, relationship problems, family problems, marriage problems... Ask for help; but ask even more to be used as an instrument of God’s saving love – within the problem.
As Saint Francis once prayed: “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
SEEK PARTICIPATION in the saving work of God in the world. For in this we get the whole thing: Part in the glorious things God is doing and what we ourselves need as well!
You know, there’s an old legend that tells of a voyaging ship that was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on-board survived, and they were able to swim to a small, desert-like island. These two survivors, knew they had to pray for God if they were ever to be rescued. However, being naturally competitive – and having nothing better to do – they decided to find out whose prayer was more powerful. And thus they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island, and each pray and see who got better results. The first thing they prayed for was food.
The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man’s parcel of land remained barren.
After some days, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the island. On the other side of the island, the second man had nothing. Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, and more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.
Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife, now strengthened, could leave the island. In the morning, he found a boat run aground on his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to be rescued, to receive God’s blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.
As the ship was about to leave, however, suddenly the first man heard a voice from heaven booming: “Why are you leaving your friend on the island?”
“My friend?!’ replied the man. “Why, I barely know the man. Why should I help him? And anyway, he’s obviously an evil man – since you have answered none of his prayers - and I am better off being rid of him. My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them.”
“You are mistaken,” the voice rebuked him. “Your friend had only one prayer, which I answered completely.”
“Tell me,” the first man asked the voice, “what did he pray for that I should owe him anything?”
The heavenly voice replied, “He prayed only one prayer every single day: That all your prayers would be answered.”
With that, the first man broke down and cried, and then rowed back to shore and gathered up his friend - and together all were rescued.

“Prayer is the lifeblood of the journey of faith.”
Become a person of powerful prayer – strong, confident, working wonders, able to handle whatever life places before you.
Start today. Expect miracles. Dig deeper. And Seek participation.