A little child can not do a bad drawing. In the same way, a child of God can not do a bad prayer.- Brennan Manning
My husband used this quote today as he opened his sermon on Love (I Corinthians 12:4-8). I have long loved this quote. It comes from Manning's book The Ragamuffin Gospel. I won't take his direct thoughts or developments on the quote, but if you'd like some insight into his sermon, give my husband a shout-- I'm sure he'd love to share it. https://www.facebook.com/jason.l.pate
Here are my thoughts...a child can do no bad drawing not because of his or her own nature...a child can do no bad drawing because of the nature of the recipient. Our pride in our children and their burgeoning abilities colors our view of the drawing. Just as children of God cannot do a bad prayer not because of our greatness, but because of the greatness of the Recipient. I think that He is proud just because we have come to his feet! Our prayers, petitions, praises...even conversation that involves anger, frustration, and disappointment! Do you believe that? I do.
Another book that I read that was really influential to me is Thin Places by Tracy Balzer. She focuses on the faith of the early Christian Celts. I highly recommend that you read it for yourself, but to give a little insight, the Christian Celts were very devout; some may think in a legalistic manner, but I disagree because the passion for communion with God superceded rules. For many of them, they were so passionate about communion with God that their very breath was as a prayer; every moment was spent with God and it became second nature.
I think that modern Christians are afraid to live this way for a few different reasons. For one, we are really lazy by nature. Or, at least I am, admittedly. For another reason, we forget that God wants us. He really, genuinely, wants us. He wants to be in our presence and us to acknowledge his presence. I think that God knows that we will not always be happy with him. He, more than anyone, understands our human nature. And He rejoices when we come.
So pray. Even if you're not happy with Him. Even if in this moment you don't like Him. Pray if your life is crumbling before your eyes. Pray if you can't get out of bed.
Pray. Pray if this is the best time of your life and you can't imagine things any other way. If you're in love and you don't have a negative thought in your mind. Go to him.
May your breath be as a prayer, never ceasing. Because you can't do a bad prayer if you're a child of God.
