«If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven» (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV).
THE AMERICAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION proposes celebrating a National Day of Reason the first Thursday in May. According to the association’s website, the day is a response to the National Day of Prayer, which is also observed the first Thursday in May. Although the motives of the Humanist Association are based on a lifestyle without gods or religious beliefs, we can’t deny that some believers don’t acknowledge the relationship between prayer and reason, and pray memorized, repetitive prayers to God without thinking about what they are doing.
In his book Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone, Immanuel Kant considered that prayer is an act of embarrassment and madness. However, are prayer and reasoning mutually exclusive? Prayer actually has a logical and reasonable framework.
Referring to prayers in His days, Jesus said, «And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words» (Matthew 6:7, NIV). The word «babbling» is translated from a single Greek verb: battalogeö. Greek literature scholars maintain that battalogeö defines those who «speak without thinking.»
Since prayer is not a simple manifestation of religious solemnity, the apostle Paul reminds us that God deserves «reasonable [Gr. logikén] service» (Romans 12:1). Greek philosophers used logikén to refer to what had been «carefully thought out.» The Lord longs for prayers that reflect harmony between what we say and what we think, between what we ask for and what we do; prayers that are expressed in a careful and rational way.
The fact that prayer is a good mental exercise is reflected in what Ellen G. White said when she affirmed that through prayer «our minds may be drawn out toward» our heavenly Father.» And when our minds get in touch with God’s mind, we become partakers of sanctified reasoning.
That exercise takes place when, as today’s main verse says, our minds and our behavior act of one accord. If we do so, then God will keep His promise: «l will hear from heaven» (2 Chronicles 7:14).
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2023
“I AM WITH YOU”
From: J. VLADIMIR POLANCO
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Angelica Cuate
