“[Jesus] said to them, ‘When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.”’
Luke 11:1-4
Dear members and friends,
The first time I prayed, I did it somewhat unconsciously. I was about seven years old and had never heard of Jesus or the Bible. But one day when I was allowed to play with friends in a stream near the village, it suddenly started to rain. My mind was devastated by the deep disappointment that I might just have to return home and would not have any fun at all. So, without knowing what I was doing, I said, “If You are up there and care about me, please stop this rain and bring the sun back, please!” As soon as I finished these words, the rain stopped, the dark cloud parted, and through the parted cloud the sun shone. It might have been just a serendipitous coincidence, but my mind was completely amazed and felt that some Being was watching over and listening to me. Afterwards, it became a private practice of mine to whisper my wishes to this Being who happened to listen to me. This brought warmth to my heart while sailing through the harsh and cruel reality of life.
The English word “prayer” is defined as “obtained by entreaty” from its Latin origin precarius. The word “entreaty” is defined as “earnest or humble request.” So, interestingly the English word “prayer” means “to obtain [something] by humble request.” However, the Greek word for pray is proseuchomai, which is a combined word of pros (toward or to) and euchomai (to pray or to wish). In a way, to pray in Greek means “to wish toward.” There is a big difference between understanding prayer as a way to obtain something from God and acknowledging prayer as the way to send one’s wish to God. In the case of the former, the result of prayer is predetermined by the one who prays, while in the case of the latter, the result of prayer is determined by the will of God. One truth that I am certain of is that we often do not know what we truly need. Thus, prayer simply needs to be a humble expression of our wishes to God who is always present and listening.
My brothers and sisters in God, let us take a moment in a quiet place and reflect upon the Prayer that our Lord teaches us in the Gospels. Let us simply recite it as we wish to be connected to the Divine Presence.
Blessings, Rev. Junchol Lee