Do you pray for a parking space? Some Christians do. Others never ask for anything; they just thank and repent. Some will intercede for other people but not themselves. Some pray for big things, like a job, but don’t bother God with more trivial matters. At one time or another, I’ve taken all those positions. I’m not sure, though, where God stands.
When the disciples asked Jesus how they should pray, he taught them the Our Father. I see seven petitions in this prayer: the final establishment of God’s kingdom, the fulfillment of God’s will in and through us, our daily needs, forgiveness, help resisting temptation and rescue from the evil in and around us. So, I conclude that asking for things is fine, even practical, personal things like food.
What exactly is our daily bread, though? Some good Christians say it’s the grace to accept whatever comes. However, Jesus healed a number of people who were not content to remain sick. He even praised their faith in asking for a cure. He doesn’t heal everyone, though, which is why I’m sometimes reluctant to ask for myself. I’m afraid God will say no. I’d rather pretend I’m all brave and spiritual than deal with rejection. I’m afraid I’ll lose my faith.
However, Jesus says that faith includes asking again and again. He told several parables about persisting in prayer. My favorite is the man who had unexpected company and not enough food. Even though it was late at night, he went and pounded on his neighbor’s door until the exasperated householder helped him out.
I like that story, because it suggests that our requests don’t all have to be high-minded. An unexpected guest isn’t a major crisis. The guest won’t die if he can’t eat until morning. However, showing hospitality was really important in Jewish culture. I think the parable is saying that if something is important to us, it’s important to God.
I know other passages that support that view. For example, at the wedding at Cana, Mary saw that the wine was running out. Again, this wasn’t a catastrophe, but it was embarrassing. Mary’s response was to ask Jesus for help.
Asking isn’t a privilege reserved for Mary. In Philippians 4:6, St. Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” So, whatever makes us anxious or concerned is something we can discuss with our Father.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul says, “Pray without ceasing.” I could pray for world peace as I drive round and round the Pearl Ridge parking lot. But wouldn’t it be more honest to also throw in a quick petition that a stall will open up?
In Romans 8:26, Paul wrote, “The Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.” I believe this means, in part, that we don’t have to find the perfect words. We don’t have to butter God up first. We don’t have to pray for grace when what we really want is rescue.
In our family, dinner conversation always began with, “How was your day?” Just relating the day’s frustrations and our ongoing concerns put them in perspective and even suggested solutions. Surely God is just as eager to hear what’s on our mind as a loving parent or spouse. And he’s always home!
So I’m pretty sure that, yes, we can ask God for a parking space, but I’ll keep praying about it.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo 96720, or email: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
