Our missionary friend once asked a Christian in Africa what the difference was between American Christians and Christians in that country. The man responded, “We pray.”
The point is not that Americans are necessarily prayerless but that when trouble comes we have a distinctly American habit of relying on means other than prayer. We have a tendency to resort to credit cards and bank accounts rather than seeking the face of God in prayer. How do we address this issue in our lives and in our churches?
The first thing we have to do is examine ourselves biblically. Do we fall short of the biblical standard of prayer when we find ourselves in difficult and uncomfortable situations? If so, we need to recognize that sin and confess it God, then repent of our self-reliance. Self-reliance is issue of enormous importance in the life of Christian—because we are sufficient for nothing on our own (John 15:4-5).
Second, we need to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. If prayerlessness is endemic to the American church, we need to lead our brothers and sisters into greater conformity to Christ by our own example.
Finally, we need to teach from the Scriptures about this topic. The Bible will provide the right foundation for us on which to base our prayers. The Bible provides the right subjects about which to pray, the right attitudes for prayer, and the right ends to pursue in prayer. God through His Word will teach His children how to approach Him.
If our African brother is right—and he appears to be—may God correct this sinful tendency in us!
--Dean of Admissions
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