Paradox of Prayerlessness

In a book provocatively titled, Christian Atheists, Pastor Craig Groeschel writes about meeting a young woman, Michelle, who claimed Christ as her Savior, but who lived her own life in her own way. Here’s an exerpt: “As if in a confessional, Michelle continued pouring out her life’s darker details. She looked down as she admitted that she was doing things with her live-in boyfriend that she knew she shouldn’t. She told me she wanted to go to church but was simply too busy working and studying. She did pray many nights — mostly that her boyfriend would become a Christian like she was. “If only he believed in Jesus, then he might want to marry me,” she said, wiping her tears. At last, Michelle expressed one final confession: “I know my life doesn’t look like a Christian’s life should look, but I do believe in God.” Welcome to Christian Atheism, where people believe in God but live as if he doesn’t exist.”


In the average church concert will fill the sanctuary. Announce a prayer meeting and those that gather will be few. Why? Because conviction does not match profession. Most people desperately want to believe that there is a God who will keep them safe and whole, but few are willing to throw themselves on Him completely. God, even in the lives of many Christians is more like a lucky rabbit’s foot than a close Friend! Because these ‘Christian Atheists’ do not really know Him, they feel self-conscious, even silly, trying to converse with Him.
I challenge you to think about your life if suddenly church, pastor, songs, and Bible disappeared. Other than gaining a couple of hours on Sunday and missing a few friends, would anything really change for you? Is Jesus Christ the true center of your life? Are all decisions made with His approval, all fears taken to Him as your best Friend, all hopes centered on Him as your truest Love? Jesus, Himself, lamented the remote role assigned to Him by those claiming to be disciples. He cries, “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?" (Luke 6:46, NLT)

Groeschel observes that “a recent Gallup poll reported that 94 percent of Americans claim to believe in God or a universal spirit. However, a quick glance at Scripture and our culture makes it plainly obvious that nowhere near 94 percent actually know God. I mean, really know him — intimately. Belief isn’t the same as personal knowledge.” When we do spend time with someone who has gone beyond belief to truly knowing God, we quickly sense that there is a quality to their life that is beautiful and frightening at the same time. They live on a higher plane, not one of forced piety or devoid of human trials, but one of love, of purpose and of ‘wholiness’ that is enviable!

There is a cost to knowing God deeply. He is a jealous Lover. He will not share you and me with other loves. If we treat Him casually, ignore Him, or refuse His direction, His Holy Spirit will be grieve and He will remove the fellowship of His Presence from us. Tragically, many ‘Christians’ do not miss what they have never known. Once a person has walked with Him, feeling that alienation is heart-breaking, even terrifying. His love is so sweet that it is the most powerful deterrent to sinful behavior.

Disciple, let’s not live in the paradox of prayerlessness; as if we are orphans, when we might know a Father of richest resource. He invites us to come boldly, to ask for anything, to live in step with Him.

Here's a word from the Word, a prayer for this day.
"God—you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts.


So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains.


I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you. " (Psalm 63:1-4, The Message)