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Christianity Today, March, 2009 |

WRESTLING WITH ANGELS

Hiding What They Seek

In my desire to be 'seeker-friendly,' I'm often guilty of concealing Jesus.

Carolyn Arends | posted 3/30/2009 10:17AM

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Gracias Padre, Gracias Jesús, Gracias Espíritu Santo, she wept, over and over. I began a prayer of my own. Please make her stop. I don't want Mark to get fired. I don't want these kids to be put off of religion.

When she was finally done, I took a deep breath and forced myself to raise my flushed face, dreading the reactions I knew were inevitable.

Things were not as I expected.

There was not a dry eye in the room. Students were hushed, visibly moved. "That was beautiful," whispered one teacher. Several people nodded. To them, the prayer had been not unwelcome proselytizing, but a heart cry—passionate, desperate, and utterly authentic.

I was ashamed, of course, and humbled. The Holy Spirit had been moving, and I, one of the few mature believers in the room, had missed it.

I wish I had prayed different prayers in Mexico. These days, in increasing measure, I do. When faced with potential encounters with the living God, even among the uninitiated, I am learning to pray Yes and Thank you rather than Stop. After all, how else are any of us supposed to get to know him?

Related Elsewhere:

Other articles on spirituality and prayer are available on our site.

There Goes the Neighborhood | Do I have to love my neighbor if he breaks the law? (January 21, 2009)

Our Shalom Vocation | Peacemaking is more than not making waves. (November 10, 2008)

Theology in Aisle 7 | Trying to organize a God who transcends. (September 22, 2008)

Here's to All the Losers | Why defeat at the hands of God is magnificent. (July 16, 2008)

The Grace of Wrath | Is there any story about God that isn't a love story? (May 12, 2008)

Carbonated Holiness | Laughter is serious business. (April 1, 2008)

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March 2009, Vol. 53, No. 3

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 14 comments.

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Jerry

Posted: April 01, 2009 6:32 AM

Perhaps this is why the revival (yes there's an old fashioned word) is breaking out more powerfully in many places OUTSIDE the United States. Places where fear of offending seekers is non-existent. I do believe we have to be relevant to our culture and all it's uniqueness, but the call to follow Jesus is still quite simple and direct. What moved those students in Mexico was the precious heart of a servant of Jesus and her powerful compassion for sick kids most of whom could not understand her language, but "got it" anyway! Thanks for a powerful article.

john vorvick

Posted: April 01, 2009 1:05 AM


Carolyn! Mark! The Stockers say "hi"! Oh, and good article!

backpackerbill

Posted: March 31, 2009 5:01 PM


This is exactly what Jesus, and prayer are all about! Thanks for a fine article.

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