Perhaps you've heard the term "nay-sayer" and know that it refers to someone who doubts and is contrary to pretty much everything that is presented. Today I'm coining a new term, "nay-prayer." By this, I'm referring to anyone who doubts or is contrary to anything regarding prayer or for whom praying seems to do nothing but increase doubt and negativity toward God. Pretty much describes all of us at some times or in some ways, doesn't it?

I believe that God intends prayer to be communication between us and him that is anchored in an established relationship of trust, love, and knowledge of one another. However, the opposite is very often true; prayer is borne out of a need or desire we have for a specific outcome and our trust, love, and understanding of God is formed from the results. In other words, instead of trusting God and knowing his character before we pray and regardless of the outcomes, we judge God's character and faithfulness by whether or not we get what we want. This creates "nay-prayers" for sure.

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus, who was not hindered by sin nor a lack of faith, did NOT get what his heart desired - he did NOT get the cup of suffering he was about to drink taken away from him as he asked. He did find the strength and peace to carry out God's will, and he found it in the Faithful One he already knew loved him. His relationship with his Father was not at stake with the outcome of his request to be spared that deep suffering.

- Rob