How to Pray – Thinking of the Cross
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
How does God answer our prayers?
When we are young, our parents spoon feed us food directly to our mouths. We do not have to put in any effort but open our mouths to receive nourishment to our bodies. However, as we get older, our parents teach us how to feed ourselves with utensils and means to find food and sustenance. Similarly, God works the same way with us. When we pray as spiritual babies, often our prayers are answered immediately. As we mature, answered prayers are less immediate. Instead, they are delayed so that we can be patient and take responsibility as we grow in our faith.
There are three types of prayers:
1 Corinthians 1:22 – “For Jews demand signs…”
The first type of prayer according to 1 Corinthians 1:22 seeks signs and miracles from God. These prayers ask for the extraordinary to happen. Jesus says that this is not good. Why? Because these types of prayers only asks for God’s power and miracles. These prayers neglect intimacy or fellowship with God. Similar to a child who only asks their parents for money, these prayers are similar to saying to God, “God, I don’t need you, I just need your power and miracles”
1 Corinthians 1:22 – “Greeks seek wisdom…”
The second type of prayer according to 1 Corinthians 1:22 seeks wisdom. Instead of relying on God’s power, these prayers rely on reason and their own strength. These prayers also neglect a relationship with God, saying “I don’t need you God. I am self-sufficient and I can do this myself. Whatever happens, is what is earned or deserved.”
1 Corinthians 1:23-25 – “but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
The last prayer according to 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 looks to the cross. We ask for God’s grace, not meaning that we don’t take responsibility, but instead we rely on God’s grace. Grace is something that we are given that we don’t deserve. We humble ourselves before the foot of the cross and admit to God that we are lacking. We ask for God’s intimacy and fellowship in our lives. We depend on God’s provision and lay our burdens at the foot of the cross.
Let’s reflect on how we pray. Are we only praying for God’s power to get the things we want? Are we neglecting our relationship with God and relying on our own power and strength? Or are we desperate for His fellowship and seeking Him in our lives and prayers?
Reflection Questions:
Which of the three categories do your prayers fall under?
If your prayers are one of the first two, what practical ways can you adopt to build on your relationship with God?
