Prayer in a Fallen World Context

Prayer in a fallen world is a complex and multifaceted concept that is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and Christian traditions. The Bible portrays prayer as a means of communication with God, where believers can express their thoughts, emotions, and desires to Him ^[4].

In the context of a fallen world, prayer takes on a particular significance. The biblical narrative presents a world that is marred by sin and suffering, where believers are called to navigate the challenges and hardships of life while maintaining a deep and abiding relationship with God. Jesus' own prayers in the Gospels provide a model for prayer in this context. For example, in Mark 14:35, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, expressing his deep anguish and distress, yet submitting to God's will ^[1].

The Psalms also offer a rich resource for understanding prayer in a fallen world. Psalm 102, for instance, is described as "a prayer of the afflicted, when he shall be in distress, and pour forth his meditation before the Lord" ^[2]. This psalm expresses the deep emotional pain and distress of the psalmist, who cries out to God for deliverance and relief.

The Lord's Prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4, provides a paradigmatic example of prayer in a fallen world. This prayer is characterized by its simplicity, humility, and focus on God's glory and will. The prayer's petitions, such as "hallowed be thy name" and "thy kingdom come," reflect a deep longing for God's reign and redemption in a world marred by sin ^[5].

Christian traditions have long understood prayer as a vital means of coping with the challenges and sufferings of life in a fallen world. According to Calvin, prayer is a means of "drawing near to God" and "pouring out the soul before the Lord" ^[6]. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of believers, highlighting its role in fostering a deep and personal relationship with God.

Different Christian traditions have also understood the scope and focus of prayer in varying ways. For example, Jesus' prayer in John 17:9 is notable for its focus on praying "for them whom thou hast given me; for they are thine" ^[3]. This prayer highlights the importance of intercessory prayer, where believers pray for others, particularly those within the community of faith. one commentary tradition tradition, as represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, notes that Jesus' prayer is not just for his immediate disciples but for all believers across the ages ^[11].

The Jewish tradition, as represented by Abraham Ibn Ezra, also emphasizes the importance of prayer in times of distress and crisis. Ibn Ezra notes that prayer is a natural response to adversity, where individuals "fall upon their faces" before God in humility and supplication ^{[8, 10]}.

In a fallen world, prayer is not just a means of personal comfort or solace but also a means of engaging with God's redemptive purposes. According to the Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry, prayer is a means of "pouring out the soul before the Lord" and seeking God's deliverance and relief in times of distress ^[9].

The apostle Paul's writings also provide insight into the role of prayer in a fallen world. In 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Paul prays for the Thessalonian believers, asking that the "Lord of peace" grant them peace "always and by all means" ^[7]. This prayer reflects the apostle's deep concern for the well-being of believers in the face of adversity and hardship.

Sources

Mark “He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. -- Mark 14:35”
Psalms “Psalms 102:1 (Geneva1599) — A prayer of the afflicted, when he shall be in distresse, and pour forth his meditation before the Lord. O Lord, heare my prayer, and let my crye come vnto thee.”
John “John 17:9 (Geneva1599) — I pray for them: I pray not for the worlde, but for them which thou hast giuen me: for they are thine.”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Prayer — Is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal. It is a "beseeching the Lord" (Ex. 32:11); "pouring out the soul before the Lord" (1 Sam. 1:15); "praying and crying to heaven" (2 Chr. 32:20); "seeking unto God and making supplication" (Job 8:5); "drawing near to God" (Ps. 73:28); "bowing the knees" (Eph. 3:14). Prayer presupposes a belief in the personality of God, his ability and willingness to hold inter”
Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:9: 6:9-13 The Lord’s Prayer is similar in form to a common Jewish prayer (the qaddish). Jesus gave this prayer to his followers as a succinct expression of their new faith. 6:9 Pray like this: In contrast to the vain repetition of pagan prayers (6:7-8), “the Lord’s Prayer” is a model of simplicity. • Jews rarely addressed God as Father, but Jesus did so in every prayer but one (Mark 15:34). • may your name be kept holy: God’s name is profaned by the sin of his people (Isa 29:22-24; Jer 34:15-16; Ezek 39:7; Amos 2:7).”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 84.1: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1 1:26 3:22 9:6 9:6 9:6 14:13 Exodus 7:11 14:13 14:31 32:32 Leviticus 19:14 Deuteronomy 7:7-8 10:17 13:3 1 Kings 19:18 Job 4:18 Psalms 7:8 35:19 37:5 55:22 55:22 69:28 73:1-12 122:6 128:2 137:6 138:8 138:8 145:18 Proverbs 3:5 5:15 8:36 10:4 Ecclesiastes 9:3 Isaiah 11:4 26:9 30:15 30:21 33:22 42:1 45:23 48:11 50:5 53:1 55:11 55:13 60:2 60:2 60:2 64:8 Jeremiah 5:8 17:9 23:29 31:33 Ezekiel 11:20 Daniel 12:2 Hosea 1:10-11 Amos 9:36 Zechariah 14:8 Malachi 4:2 Matthew 5:11 5:14 5:15 ”
2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: Lord of peace--Jesus Christ. The same title is given to Him as to the Father, "the GOD of peace" (Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co2 13:11). An appropriate title in the prayer here, where the harmony of the Christian community was liable to interruption from the "disorderly." The Greek article requires the translation, "Give you the peace" which it is "His to give." "Peace" outward and inward, here and hereafter (Rom 14:17). always--unbroken, not changing with outward circumstances. by all means--Greek, "in every way." Most of the oldest manuscript”
Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Numbers 17:10: AND THEY FELL UPON THEIR FACES. To pray.”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 102:1: The title of this psalm is very observable; it is a prayer of the afflicted. It was composed by one that was himself afflicted, afflicted with the church and for it; and on those that are of a public spirit afflictions of that kind lie heavier than any other. It is calculated for an afflicted state, and is intended for the use of others that may be in the like distress; for whatsoever things were written aforetime were written designedly for our use. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but here, as often elsewhere, the Holy Ghost has drawn up ”
Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Numbers 16:22: AND THEY FELL UPON THEIR FACES. To pray.”
John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 17:9: I pray for them--not as individuals merely, but as representatives of all such in every succeeding age (see on Joh 17:20). not for the world--for they had been given Him "out of the world" (Joh 17:6), and had been already transformed into the very opposite of it. The things sought for them, indeed, are applicable only to such.”

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