Prayer 34
Worship
Prayers for the Age of Technology
Object:
Dear Almighty And All-Loving One:
We need help with the concept of worship. It is such an ambiguous term.
If it means ascribing worth, there is little problem. We know your worth is beyond all valuing. Acknowledging and celebrating your worth, however, seems not to express adequately the relationship we enjoy with you: the relationship Jesus indicated for us, and of which we are increasingly aware as we appraise more realistically the evidence of your presence in your universe.
If worship implies subordination of self and submission to your power and authority, it would be appropriate, except for the fact that we have been instructed to think of you as a loving father. Is it appropriate for children to worship a parent while denigrating themselves and submitting unquestioningly to parental authority? Or is it more proper for them to accept with glad appreciation the care of loving parents, while growing toward the maturity of understanding and meaningful fellowship with them?
We know that worship as flattery or appeasement does not honor you or become us. We eschew it with disdain, while unconsciously drifting toward indulgence in it. Our primitive ancestors approached you in this way, but your continued revelations have suggested its inappropriateness.
Help us to find appropriate ways of expressing appreciation of your love, and of the privilege of fellowshiping with you in the enterprise of creation. Give us the increasing maturity that fosters understanding and sharing of purpose.
In the name of Jesus, your son and our loving brother, Amen.
We need help with the concept of worship. It is such an ambiguous term.
If it means ascribing worth, there is little problem. We know your worth is beyond all valuing. Acknowledging and celebrating your worth, however, seems not to express adequately the relationship we enjoy with you: the relationship Jesus indicated for us, and of which we are increasingly aware as we appraise more realistically the evidence of your presence in your universe.
If worship implies subordination of self and submission to your power and authority, it would be appropriate, except for the fact that we have been instructed to think of you as a loving father. Is it appropriate for children to worship a parent while denigrating themselves and submitting unquestioningly to parental authority? Or is it more proper for them to accept with glad appreciation the care of loving parents, while growing toward the maturity of understanding and meaningful fellowship with them?
We know that worship as flattery or appeasement does not honor you or become us. We eschew it with disdain, while unconsciously drifting toward indulgence in it. Our primitive ancestors approached you in this way, but your continued revelations have suggested its inappropriateness.
Help us to find appropriate ways of expressing appreciation of your love, and of the privilege of fellowshiping with you in the enterprise of creation. Give us the increasing maturity that fosters understanding and sharing of purpose.
In the name of Jesus, your son and our loving brother, Amen.
