Sadly, there have also been negative responses questioning the point of prayer. Why does God allow a pandemic like this to occur? If he is at all interested in doing anything about it, or even able to do anything for that matter, why is he allowing so many ‘innocent’ people to die? These are heartfelt questions that trouble many.
This is what I would want to say in response.
I know as an historical fact that the Sovereign God and Creator of the Universe has sent his only son Jesus into my sin-affected, messed up world to die for me on a cruel cross. I know he has taken all my sin upon himself and, as a result, has suffered the punishment of divine wrath in my place, as my Substitute. Because of this, all my sins are forgiven, and I can know God personally and intimately as my loving, caring, understanding, Heavenly Father. I no longer will ever have to face him as a condemned sinner standing before a just and holy Judge, a Judge whose intrinsic character must express wrath against my sin. “Before the throne of God above I have a strong, a perfect plea: a great High Priest whose name is ‘Love’, who ever lives and pleads for me. … Because the sinless Saviour died, my sinful soul is counted free; for God, the Just, is satisfied to look on him and pardon me.” (Charitie Chenez).
What is more, in his written word, this God, whom I can now know as my loving Father, encourages me, not to be anxious, but to bring all my problems and concerns to him in prayer. When I pray, I am not telling him what to do, or how to run his world (after all, he is God and I'm not), I'm simply finding comfort, strength and an indescribable peace in sharing my problems with someone who has proven himself throughout history to be both loving and powerful. I know I can leave everything in his safe, wonderful hands. This is what I am doing whenever I cry out to him in prayer for mercy, healing and blessing for all those who are suffering and struggling with his divine providence. “He loves, he cares, he knows; his love, though never dim, can only give the best to those who leave the choice with him.”
My God does not want me to try to figure out the ‘theology’ and the ‘mechanics’ of prayer - he just wants me to talk to him personally about anything and everything that weighs heavy on my heart. And that I will continue to do - and leave all the outcomes to his wise and loving will. “Are we weak and heavy laden? Cumbered with a load of Care? Jesus only is our Refuge: Take it to the Lord in Prayer. … Can we find a Friend so faithful who will ALL our sorrows share? Jesus KNOWS our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in Prayer.” (Scriven).
“Why pray?” My question is: “Why not pray?”
Bruce Christian