Cloud of Witnesses
October 1, 1996
Yesterday Debbie and I registered our son Evan for his first semester of
college. Per his instructions. Evan is in Germany as a foreign exchange student,
finishing his senior year of high school. He requested a pre-med biology
major.
When we mentioned "pre-med" to the director of admissions, she said, "That's
easy." Out came a single sheet of paper with four years worth of courses
laid out; few slots remained open for electives. His first semester looks
like this: biology, chemistry, calculus, and writing. With labs, his weekly
schedule looks like a country road sign shot up by bored gopher hunters.
Overwhelmed, my fogged-up brain entertained a profound thought: "Boy, you
sure have to know a lot to be a doctor."
I can remove a splinter without a course in dermatology and prescribe aspirin
for a headache without biochemistry, but I don't want a doctor to listen
to my clogged lungs and prescribe antibiotics without a knowledge of
bacteriology. I want someone with a detailed knowledge of the human body
and its immune systems. Good doctoring is the fine art of integrating theory
and practice.
People deserve a similar depth of knowledge and integration from pastors
with regard to prayer. No middle-management prayers
Pastoral prayer is a scalpel, not a massage. Our prayers change
the whole being of those we pray for. This calls for excellence in our
integration of theology and prayer. We teach-quite correctly-that everyone
can pray, that even children can pray, and that prayer need not be theo-poetic
or theo-logical to be heard and answered.
But that is no excuse for pastoral prayer sliding to the lowest common
denominator. The priesthood of all believers means that any lay person can
pray like a pastor, ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
