Prayer & Praise

by Shannon Winslow

  Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many of you were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus… Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

  Thank God for revealing His Holy Religion to you, by which you have found salvation and adoption into God’s family. Ask him to quicken your awareness if you should ever be in danger of forgetting the value of that faith. Allow his Holy Spirit to direct your words and behavior so that you bring honor to your adoptive family name: Christian. Praise God for the goodly heritage you share with all your brothers and sisters in Christ.

  Let Us Pray

  Heavenly Father, thank you for the best of all your many blessings: salvation through Jesus and adoption as your children. Let us never take these gifts for granted, but treasure them, live worthy of them, and diligently seek to share them with others according to your leading. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  Let Us Praise

  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. (1 Peter 1:3-4)

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  In Name Only

  …that we may not, by our own neglect, throw away the Salvation Thou hast given us, nor be Christians only in name.

  When I first read this prayer petition, the words throw away nearly jumped off the page at me. Did Jane Austen really mean to imply that a person could lose their salvation by neglect, I wondered? Surely not, for just as we received salvation by grace through faith, not works, it isn’t by our own merit or efforts that we keep our salvation.

  A visit to the dictionary and a search of Jane Austen’s entire canon shed some light. Although “throw away” can mean getting rid of something that is no longer wanted, it can also refer to being wasteful – of failing to take advantage of an opportunity, to trade a thing of value in on something worth far less. The way Jane Austen typically uses the phrase is much more in line with the latter definition. Most often, her characters speak of people throwing themselves away by failing to take advantage of the opportunity to better themselves by marriage.

  Taking this meaning, then, it certainly is possible to fail to take full advantage of the abundant life offered to us through salvation in Christ. It is common enough, unfortunately, to waste opportunities for spending time in worship, Bible study, prayer, and ministering to others. That kind of neglect is indeed a danger.

  Have you ever heard the question, “If you stood accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Although it’s what’s in the heart that matters (and only God knows that), true conversion should bring changes that show on the outside as well. Unless a person is a Christian in name only, there should be some visible evidence of an active, nurtured faith making a difference in that person’s own life and in the world beyond.

  Think of the terms “lady” and “gentleman.” Although certainly not synonymous with “Christian,” there are some parallels. In Jane Austen’s day, someone might claim to be a lady or gentleman for no better reason than being born in the upper ranks of society. But as with the title “Christian,” these names also carried with them the expectation of adherence to a certain code of behavior, in this case being honorable, polite, cultured, and acting with courtesy and thoughtfulness. Of course, to be considered an accomplished lady, even more was required, as Caroline Bingley famously declares.

  “No one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half-deserved.” (Pride and Prejudice, chapter 8)

  Miss Bingley probably meant to be flattering herself with this description, but, for starters, she wasn’t all that well born. She wasn’t courteous or thoughtful of others either. There was a certain something in her air, but it spoke more of snobbery than genuine class. She was trying to pass herself off as a lady, but she was really a lady in name only.

  By contrast, think of Mr. Knightley from Emma – a true gentleman. As Emma rightly says, “You might not see one in a hundred with gentleman so plainly written as in Mr. Knightley.” And yet, the proof of this isn’t in his fine air and way of walking, as Harriet Smith supposes (chapter 4), but in his modest, honorable behavior and his kindness to others. He doesn’t use his carriage to establish his own importance or show off his wealth. He uses it to provide comfortable transportation for those who have no carriage of their own (Mrs. and Miss Bates). And since there is no snobbery in him, Mr. Knightly is glad to call Mr. Martin, a comparatively lowly tenant farmer, his friend.

  Mr. Knightley didn’t waste the advantages of his birth on high living or self-indulgence. Instead, through his good management, his estate provided respectable employment to many and generous gifts to his less fortunate neighbors.

  As Christians, we have been given special privileges and opportunities too. The question is, how should we be using them? Paul has a pretty comprehensive answer for us in Romans.

  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:10-18)

  Does this description remind you more of Miss Bingley or Mr. Knightley? I wonder if Jane Austen was thinking of this passage, especially the second half of it, when she designed Mr. Knightley’s character. He fills the bill pretty well. In any case, a person faithfully following these directives could never be accused of neglecting his salvation, of being a Christian in name only. Let us follow Paul’s instructions just as faithfully.

  Let Us Pray

  Oh, God, your Word instructs us that we ought to live out our faith practicing humility, patience, generosity, forgiveness, service, and peace. Give us the will and the ability to do these things with zeal, we pray, that we might bring honor to you and to the name “Christian” that we claim in Jesus. Amen.

  Let Us Praise

  For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. (Psalms 84:11-12)

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  Teach us to Pray

  Hear us Almighty God, for His sake who has redeemed us, & taught us thus to pray. Our Father which art in heaven…

  All three of Jane Austen’s prayers finish with the Lord’s Prayer itself, her words leading right into it as in the above petition. But this one also alludes to the fact that Jesus taught his disciples some specifics about praying in addition to giving them that sample of prayer.

  “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Fath
er who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This, then is how you should pray:

  “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” (Matthew 6:5-13)

  Jesus teaches his disciples that we shouldn’t be like the hypocrites and pagans, making a show before men and babbling on and on. Instead, we should pray briefly and plainly to God alone. Since he already knows us and knows what we need, that is enough.

  Reading this passage and Jesus’ description of how (and how not) to approach God in prayer, I was again reminded of Mr. Knightley. He is a straightforward, modest man who says what he means, simply and plainly, expecting the same in return. He never makes a show; he isn’t interested in impressing people with words or otherwise. Here are a couple of short passages from Emma to illustrate – first, part of his proposal to Emma in chapter 49, and then a bit more from chapter 51.

  “Say ‘No,’ if it is to be said… I cannot make speeches, Emma… If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am. You hear nothing but truth from me.”

  The subject followed; it was in plain, unaffected, gentleman-like English, such as Mr. Knightley used even to the woman he was in love with…

  For Mr. Knightley to make long, flowery speeches – even when proposing to the woman he loved – would have been phony. It would have been false and not at all like himself. Emma would have seen through it too, because she knew Mr. Knightley so well. As he says, “You know what I am” – an honest straightforward man. Instead, he uses plain words delivered in private, trusting to their close relationship to ensure that Emma understands him.

  The same applies when we speak to God in prayer. There’s no point trying to impress God with eloquent words or flowery speeches. He knows us too well. He knows when someone is speaking truth from the heart, and when someone is merely putting on a show. He knows exactly who we are. And because of his intimate knowledge of every aspect of our beings and our lives, we can trust him to understand what we mean when we pray – no long explanations necessary – as well as what we need, even before we ask.

  What else did Jesus teach about prayer? He taught his disciples to pray boldly and persistently.

  Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’ …I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:5-10)

  And the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) is very like it. Jesus had much more to say about prayer during his earthly pilgrimage, although perhaps his most effective lessons on the subject weren’t taught through words at all, but by example – by the many occasions the gospels record that he took time to pray himself. Jesus prayed because he knew prayer was important. If the incarnate Son of God couldn’t get through the day without the support of the Father through prayer, probably none of us should attempt it either!

  Have you sometimes been impressed by the beautifully composed and spoken prayers of others, and then felt pressure to be just as eloquent when you pray aloud or even silently? That pressure is not from God. God simply wants you to be honest and genuine when you speak to him. He wants to hear the plain truth from your heart. But if you still struggle, do as the disciples did and ask Jesus to help you. “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1)

  Let Us Pray

  Thank you, Heavenly Father, that you hear all our prayers, and for Jesus’ words and example to guide us. As he taught, you don’t desire babbling or pretense, and you know what we need before we ask. So help us to always pray as he taught us to, with simple truth from the heart. Amen.

  Let Us Praise

  There is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth… (Psalms 86:8-11)

  Prayer Two

  (Untitled)

  Almighty God! look down with mercy on thy servants here assembled & accept the petitions now offer’d up unto thee. Pardon Oh! God the offences of the past day. We are conscious of many frailties; we remember with shame & contrition, many evil Thoughts & neglected duties, & we have perhaps sinned against Thee & against our fellow-creatures in many instances of which we have now no remembrance. Pardon Oh God! whatever thou has seen amiss in us, & give us a stronger desire of resisting every evil inclination & weakening every habit of sin. Thou knowest the infirmity of our Nature, & the temptations which surround us. Be thou merciful, oh Heavenly Father! to Creatures so formed & situated.

  We bless thee for every comfort of our past and present existence, for our health of Body & of Mind & for every other source of happiness which Thou hast bountifully bestowed on us & with which we close this day, imploring their continuance from Thy Fatherly goodness, with a more grateful sense of them, than they have hitherto excited. May the comforts of every day, be thankfully felt by us, may they prompt a willing obedience of thy commandments & a benevolent spirit toward every fellow-creature.

  Have mercy Oh gracious Father! upon all that are now suffering from whatsoever cause, that are in any circumstance of danger or distress. Give them patience under every affliction, strengthen, comfort & relieve them.

  To Thy goodness we commend ourselves this night beseeching thy protection of us through its darkness & dangers. We are helpless & dependent; graciously preserve us. For all whom we love & value, for every Friend & connection, we equally pray; However divided & far asunder, we know that we are alike before Thee, & under thine Eye. May we be equally united in Thy Faith & Fear, in fervent devotion towards Thee, & in Thy merciful Protection this night. Pardon Oh Lord! the imperfections of these our Prayers, & accept them through the mediation of our Blessed Saviour, in whose Holy Words, we farther address thee.

  Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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  Masters and Servants

  Almighty God! look down with mercy on thy servants here assembled…

  A very strict social hierarchy existed in Jane Austen’s world. Servants were servants and they always would be. Masters ruled, no one doubting their right to do so, just as their parents and grandparents had ruled with nearly absolute power over the previous generations of servants. So the language in the opening line to this prayer would have evoked familiar images for Austen and her contemporaries.

  No one was more conscious of rank and its prerogatives than Sir Walter Elliot of Persuasion. Although he was only a baronet himself – the lowest level of nobility – he insisted on living in a style that upheld his own importance, even when he was severely in debt. At the same time, Sir Walter was very quick to point out the low rank and connections of others.

  “Wentworth? Oh! Ay – Mr. Wentworth, the curate of Monkford. You misled me by the term gentleman. I thought you were speaking of some man of property: Mr. Wentworth was nobody, I remember; quite unconnected; nothing to do with the Strafford family. One wonders how the names of many of our nobility beco
me so common.” (Persuasion, chapter 3)

  In Sir Walter’s mind, Mr. Wentworth, the curate, as well as his brother, the sailor, were “nothing,” because they didn’t own property or have the right social connections – a description that would fit many of us today as well.

  Things were beginning to change, ever so slowly. A fortune acquired by trade or in the war might allow a man to purchase a fine house, obtain a gentleman’s education, or marry into a slightly higher social plane. Still, a person’s position was largely fixed the moment he or she was born. And under no circumstances on earth would a nobleman consent to exchange places with a servant, even temporarily. It would have been unthinkable.

  Can you imagine Sir Walter offering to shovel out the stables so some of his servants could have time off, perhaps to take the best carriage out for a night on the town or simply to bask in the luxury of Kellynch Hall? Can you picture Lady Catherine voluntarily trading places with her lowest maid, scrubbing pots or floors while the servant girl ate at her ladyship’s table and took her ease above stairs?

  Never! And yet, Jesus did this for us and more. The Son of God Almighty descended from his rightful place in heaven to raise us up from slavery and despair. He came to wash feet and give his life as a ransom for many. He came to make the ultimate sacrifice so we might one day live in a royal palace, sons and daughters of the King of Kings forever. He came to set us the example of humble servanthood. As Paul tells us: