Dear Intercessory Prayer,
Just a line to let you know how things are since you've gone. It’s not the same without you. Although our lives seem shallow and empty now, we've learned to make up for that void in other ways.
We now run the aisles, leap for joy, jig to the music, sing all the newest choruses, and tap our feet in time to the rhythm. We've learned to worship without you. The prayer rooms, for the most part, are silent now. You wouldn't recognize them. The majority of those who do go there, come away dry-eyed. A lot of praying now is chanting and sing-song style. That’s how we know we’re really in the groove. We pray memorized phrases that come automatically. We pray because it’s required. We do it on demand. No one prays till they “break through” anymore. We just pray till our ten minutes are up.
Oh sure, we still believe in prayer, as such. But not very many are anxious for you to come back. You were always polite, never forcing yourself on anyone, nor coming uninvited. I hate to say this, but you’re really not needed now. You see, most of us have hospitalization insurance. It sure has taken away that old desperate feeling. There’s no need to pray more than the few minutes it takes to drive to the emergency room. Also, we no longer have to ask for daily bread. Now we have better jobs with wonderful benefits. If we lose our job, there’s always welfare and food stamps, and in cases of retirement or disablement, we’ve got social security. You see, we’re doing OK! Other things have kinda taken your place. Sure we miss you. Especially when some of the old-timers reminisce. But we’re getting over it. Actually, we’re too busy to entertain you right now. I’m sure you’ll understand.
We are having revival services without you too. It’s not hard. The preacher fasts and prays, along with a couple others. The evangelist preaches good. Most of us try to get there on time for the first song or two. Because of our schedules, it’s not practical for us to get there early for prayer. We justify the fact that the number of new converts is down; that there seems to be diminished conviction, less lasting victory and fewer miracles. It’s not us; it’s just the times we’re living in. It’s like this everywhere.
As your friend, I’m writing this to you, knowing how much it must hurt to have folks say they miss you, even when they are weaning themselves from the haunting emptiness of your memory. What hurts is that I know that these were children you personally raised. You were always there when they needed you. But now they don’t need you.
Do you know, can you believe that now when you are mentioned in church everyone gets real quiet? They all fell guilty I’m sure. Once in awhile some even get misty-eyed when we talk about the old times you shared with us. But all feeling vanishes along with the pizza right after church.
No. Intercessor prayer, your coming back wouldn’t really work right now. We’re too blessed. We’re doing too good. In your day you served a purpose, but the sentiment of most people today is that we can manage without you. We’ve got better clothes, cars, homes and churches than we’ve ever had.
Oh say, do you remember all the folks of yesteryear coming into the sanctuary with red-rimmed eyes? Remember the baggy looking knees on the men’s suits? Remember all-night prayer meetings? Remember the depth that was in the worship? Remember when sinners couldn’t sit in their pews any longer, and would run to an altar? Remember when you could feel unity and brotherly love? When folks helped bear one another’s burdens? When no one watched the clock? When saints could hardly wait to enjoy the after-service, praying around the altar until the wee hours of the morning? Well, that’s pretty much gone now, but you ought to see our new Hammond organ, the keyboards, three electric guitars and five string bass. Our choir just does terrific on these new songs too. The floor is carpeted and the sitting is padded. Thing are really comfortable! The arched beams are beautiful and we also have expensive chandeliers. Our pastor has polish too. He doesn’t preach too long, and he kinda spices up his sermons with cute sayings. I guess that’s progress for you. Win some, lose some. Speaking of lose some, we’re losing a surprising percentage of our young people, and a number of married couples have split up and backslidden—their homes busted up and their lives ruined.
That’s to be expected. I guess. We have plenty of phrases to cure the pain and emptiness of our hearts. What more could we ask for? Sure, we miss you, but I guess we just really don’t need you right now.
I hope you’re not offended. I don’t mean for you to be. You’ll always have a special place in my memory. You were very kind and generous to me. I can’t thank you enough! This generation doesn’t know you at all and your coming would probably scare them.
A good many never knew you very well. Those who knew you personally have waited so long to talk to you that they are now embarrassed.
While we are trying to work out our feelings about you and see where you might fit into our plans, you might try your luck someplace else. Maybe at the little store-front church on the other side of the tracks, or in some hut or shack. Maybe in Brazil. Or how about the Philippines? You might try the third-world countries. Surely someone somewhere needs you.
I’m terribly sorry to have to say this to you, Intercessory Prayer, we miss you but, we really don’t need you right now!
With Fond Memories,
From an Old Friend
By: Martyn Ballestero, Sr.
(Reprinted from The Indiana Trumpet)
Copied from The Oaklahoma District Beacon * Jan/Feb 19995
Friday night of PTT 09 as Bro. Codydy Marks was preaching his message, I suddenly remembered this article that was giving to me during some youth service. It goes perfectly with what her preached and my my my did the brother preach!!! Definitely a landmark in my life.
