October 08, 2015

Lex orandi, lex credenti–As you pray, so you believe (also written as legem credendi lex statuat supplicandi in the fourth century writings of Prosper of Aquetaine, follower of Augustine of Hippo) literally means a principle or law that defines the relationship between prayer and belief. The fourth century is noted for the creeds that came about as a response to unify the somewhat varied beliefs of Christianity. Formulated prayers had been traditionally recited over the prior two centuries presumably formed by leaders through apostolic succession and were the source of creeds. So here we have the beginnings of liturgies—prayers based on tradition. This would work out okay when the traditional prayers are Scripture-based, and many of them are.

When we pray, what do we say? We’re at a prayer meeting/service—a public event whereby believers gather to unite in prayer. It’s not very hard with a fair amount of accuracy to locate someone’s doctrinal beliefs and affiliations by how they pray. In the context of Jesus preaching the Beatitudes in Luke 6, Jesus states, “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45, NASB). He is making the point that what we say is a prime indicator of what we believe. So when we pray, our words indicate what we believe. It just requires that you listen carefully. Here are just a few variations I’ve heard:

• Reading prayers from a traditional prayer book categorized by topic
• Reading “faith confessions,” which are pre-written statements based on personalized Scripture verses
• Recitation of phrases that are commonly expressed among adherents to a denomination or movement
• Recitation of prayers in Scripture
• Extemporaneous prayers—on the spot praying that is not pre-planned
• “Silent” prayers
• Praying in tongues (glossolalia)

Is there a right or wrong way? Some would argue that their method is the only and right way, but I’m not convinced. I see it as a heart issue as in Luke 6:45. If a prayer is not from the heart, it’s not a prayer. It’s purely a recitation regardless of form or content. If the content is in opposition to God’s Word, they are empty words and there’s simply no point to pushing air around. When Jesus taught the disciples about prayer, He didn’t tell them to repeat the prayer as a ritual, He taught them it is HOW to pray. It was a pattern that they could follow. Now does that mean we never recite the Lord’s Prayer? Of course not. Again, it is an issue of heart. As you speak those precious words of Scripture in prayer, is it from a heart that hangs on the words for life and godliness, breathed by the Holy Spirit? That should be the only criteria.

Some argue against repetitious prayer based on Jesus teaching, “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words” (Matthew 6:7). However, I think a key word there is “meaningless” and the belief that quantity of repetitions is a significant factor. If repeating is the main issue, then we should never repeat any of the New Testament prayers including the Lord’s Prayer. No, that’s not what Jesus is saying. He is addressing the belief that quantity of prayers that have no heart is the issue as if more words matter. That is what heathen religions do. If we examine the Lord’s Prayer pattern, it is all about heart, seeking to commune with the Father over what is important in the Kingdom.

One type of congregational prayer where I do have some uneasiness is “silent prayer requests.” I cannot come into agreement in prayer for someone or something if I don’t know what the prayer request is. You see, I believe that the whole purpose for group prayer is for agreement (Matthew 8:19). All I can do is pray that whatever the issue is, peace may prevail. Somehow, I never feel at ease about that, but I pretty much leave it alone.

Have you every heard somebody say something like, “Oh, that prayer was so anointed,” suggesting that anointing has to do with articulation or expressiveness. Some people have a special knack for praying eloquent lengthy prayers. That can be intimidating for the person who feels they can’t do that. Others pray simple short prayers that are to the point without a lot of additional verbiage. Whether prayers are short, long, highly articulate or simple, it is once again, an issue of heart. When we pray, we are speaking to God. He knows the heart, and so other people’s opinions really don’t matter. The crux of public prayer is keeping prayer in alignment with the expressed will of God in His Word, so that hearers can come into agreement with you and the Holy Spirit.