As the storm raged, the captain realized his ship was sinking fast. He called out, “Anyone here know how to pray?” One man stepped forward. “Aye, Captain, I know how to pray.”
“Good,” said the captain, “you pray while the rest of us put on our life jackets – we’re one short.”
Saint Luke tells us that Jesus went up on the mountain to pray, and as he was praying his appearance changed. Prayer changes us too. However, we need to get away from the idea that prayer is us telling God what to do.
When we come to God in prayer, we must remember, that God is not a magical genie in a bottle. That when we rub it, comes out and grants special favors or avoid particular dangers. How often do we ask God our desires and lose sight of what Gods plan is? We may have this big idea, which if achieved may bring us joy, or it may not. We may ask God for things or desires that God may not have in mind. “God I want to play in the NFL,” I want to be seven feet tall and play in the NBA. Or, wishes such as, “I want to speak another language,” “God I want to lose 20 pounds I want, I want, I.”
In prayer, we are taking ourselves to God. Prayer may or may not change the situation we are in, but it most certainly will change us.
I believe, with certainty, that God could grant all petitions, but what do we learn from that? Isn’t it true when we work hard for a particular thing or desire that it is more satisfying than if it were to be given? God provides the tools to achieve a particular desired if you ask. Even if you ask for something in prayer, God may not grant you that particular thing but may give you the tools necessary to achieve what you would ask of him. Because if he simply gives and gives like a genie, then what are we taking out of the gift rather than the notion I can ask for anything, and upon that request immediately receive it, like a spoiled child.
Rather, prayer is coming to God and asking him what does he have in mind for my life? What path is God leading me down? Can I embrace this path or will I continue to follow my vision that I have for my life?
This past week, I’ve been to the mountain top. Together with Father Fred, Father Chris, and along with 24 young adults of this parish, I went to the Saint Michael’s conference where we joined young adults from around the country in fellowship and prayer; to be refueled and fed spiritually. But brothers and sisters, we cannot stay on the peak of the mountain. We cannot stay inside the comfort of this church, surrounded by friends, family, pious people, because we have to move outside these walls if we are to share the good news of Jesus Christ with our broken world. But while we take this time We need to listen to God’s voice, because Listening is different from simply hearing. I found this out with Father Wood all summer long. Little did I know that if he is not looking in your eyes, you could be talking to him for about 5 minutes and afterword’s he will have no clue what you said. ( I can see some of the wives in the congregation elbowing their husbands to pay attention now.)
When Jesus rose from his prayer,
God’s voice boomed from heaven saying “This is my beloved son listen to him.”
Listening implies not only hearing but also understanding. It is easy to say something, but harder to listen. We need to listen to one another and be charitable to different views, but above all listen to God who may tell us things we’d rather not hear or go places we’d rather not go. For even Jesus came down from that mountain knowing his next step. God told Jesus, God’s plan for the redemption of humanity. He told Jesus of the death which was a necessary sacrifice. He told his son that the only way to save us whom he loves so much is to be crucified on a cross.
Jesus came down the mountain so that death may not be the final answer; so that we may have an eternal resting place with the Father in heaven.
So, what now? What do we do after being filled by God’s grace in worship here at Redeemer? What does one do after coming back from Saint Michael’s conference and returning to friends, family, school, work? What do we do after leaving the steps of this church and return back to our world? We can’t just stay on the mountain top where everything is good, but we have to go down to the dark valleys of life and share the love of Jesus where times will be tough, but do not be afraid or terrified though because God will never leave you, nor will he ever forsake you.
Amen.
Sermon preached by Landon Moore
Church of the Redeemer
Sarasota Florida
Transfiguration Sunday
6 August 2017