Previous | Next 

Two prayers/two hearts

Jerry Raaf

In a cold, snow-covered church parking lot, amid 153 other cars, were two black, four-door Lexus automobiles, owned by two families who were in their usual pews on a Sunday morning. All of them were trying to concentrate on the words of the well-groomed and well-meaning pastor.

Padded pews and overhead indirect frosted lighting made every member, adherent and visitor comfortable. Everyone had the opportunity to sing in whatever key they chose as the words to each song were projected onto a large overhead screen through the use of a new computer. To the pleasure of the grey-haired members, the congregation sang a hymn written by Fanny Crosby. While the tithes were collected, a duet sang, followed by subdued applause.

A guest spoke of her four-year term in Africa. She emphasized the need of finances for the delivery of medical supplies and educational equipment. She returned to her seat after several moments, and the assistant pastor politely thanked her for her terse comments.

The two men who had driven the Lexus vehicles onto the parking lot were well groomed, and their wives seemed to lack nothing. None of their children needed discipline during the service, but the difference between these men was immeasurable.

During the prayer time following a soul-searching sermon, the man in the third seat from the back bowed his head. For a moment, he reviewed his life. Then he said to himself: “I am glad that I am not like some of the hypocrites in this room or like people downtown, who lie on the streets all night. I have never used street drugs, I never got a girl into trouble, and I have always tried to give my tithe, ever since my first job.”

The driver of the other Lexus struggled with his conscience, and, with tears in his eyes, he attempted to swallow the lump in his throat. “Forgive me, God, for I have sinned against You, my wife and my family. I have been rude and uncaring, and I don’t love people. Your Word tells me that if I do not love others, then everything that I do is empty and useless. Forgive me for my murderous heart, my unforgiving spirit and my life of pride. Please forgive me.”

Jesus told the story of two men who came to the temple to pray. One said “God, I thank You that I am not like all other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers. . . . I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get”. The other man would not lift up his eyes but said “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus concluded, “This man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14).

What was your last prayer like? If you thought more about yourself than your sinful condition and desperate need of grace, how can you think that you were accepted? A sure sign of pride is thinking that you are better than others and that you can access God’s grace whenever you need it. Perhaps you should consider spending time alone with the Creator and His Son, who died to save you from yourself. There is still time.

Jerry Raaf lives in Abbotsford, B.C.

Previous | Next 

Last modified November 29, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.