The Fruit of a Living Faith

he key element in prayer isn’t what we say to God but rather what God says to us. (From “Five Marks of a Methodist, Expanded Edition: The Fruit of a Living Faith” by Steve Harper)

    The title of chapter four of “Five Marks of a Methodist, Expanded Edition: The Fruit of a Living Faith” by Steve Harper is entitled “A Methodist Prays Constantly.”   As we continue to delve a little more deeply into this resource that we are using for our church-wide study, I must confess that the title of this chapter makes me smile just a little each time I read it. In most settings it seems that Methodists don’t pray constantly. Instead, it seems that many Methodists hope constantly ‘I hope no one asks me to pray out loud!’

    Among the scriptures that are highlighted in chapter 4 is from 1 Timothy to remind us of the focus and purpose of prayer—“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people…This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2:1, 3-4). We are encouraged to pray for all people because God wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. Truth is essential and truth leads to freedom (cf John 8:32).  

    Many are bound because they do not know the truth. Some wish to deny others to access to the truth and still others seem to flee from the truth. Rather than pursuing and sharing the love that liberates, there is a valuation of hegemonies and limitations (cf. Proverbs 12:15-19). This text is somewhat atypical to include on Pentecost. The usual scripture that is read on Pentecost is from Acts 2 in which the ability to speak and interpret a variety of languages is celebrated. Specifically, the invitation for salvation is extended to all who are far off (cf. Acts 2:39). In other words, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was for the purpose of receiving and sharing the gift of salvation with everyone.  

    The desire of God is for the gift to be shared. Is that something for which we find it easy to pray? Amidst all the prayers that we lift frequently, how often do we pray for the salvation of all? In your time of prayer in your small group, pray for the courage to share the invitation to others to hear a message of salvation. Pray also for the strength to love others enough to help them discover the liberating truth that allows us all to be free. We are looking forward to seeing you in worship and in class.

In Christ,  

Jon McCoy