The science of Bible interpretation
is known as hermeneutics. There are laws of interpretation that lead to a
better understanding of what Scripture is saying. One such principle is to take
into consideration certain cultural matters when trying to understand the Word.
One phrase in Jesus’ life that has
always caused guilt in my life is this: …”It was at this time that He went off
to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God”
(Luke 6:12).
An entire night in prayer? This has
often shamed me. While challenging me it often shames me because I have never
done that. And, furthermore, I can hardly manage an entire hour let a whole
night praying. I try to imagine myself out on a mountain trying to be
Christ-like and praying, praying, praying. Honestly, I could not do it.
However, upon reflection, I realize
Jesus’ prayer with the Father was a two-sided affair. Unlike us, Jesus could
audibly talk back and forth with His Father. He didn’t need the Bible to know
what the Father said. They simply talked with one another. Being one in essence
and being they were omniscient except that Jesus in his humanity seems
unknowing in some instances. But two-sidedness of their fellowship is
noteworthy. When I learned this I realized that I COULD spend a night in prayer
because I would take my Bible to a mountain spot (or that comfortable quiet
room at the far side of the house) read it and ponder it, address the Father,
read some more, talk to my dear heavenly Father, read and pray, read and pray,
grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and then go back to reading the Word (God
talking to me) and praying (I talking to God). Yes, I can see myself doing that
if I was on good terms with the Lord. I might well have to take a nap sometime
the next day, but I think such an experience would prove to be a rich blessing,
especially in times of great need or urgency. It would be quiet and
uninterrupted. What endearing fellowship with my Maker and Savior that would
be.
In a similar vein, sometimes the
point is made that Jesus and great saints through the years arose a great while
before day to pray. This too easily convicts of shallowness in prayer.
But it is wise to stop and realize a cultural element to be considered. The old
timers had no electricity and probably 'turned in' to sleep at a much earlier
time than many do nowadays. Those oil lamps could annoyingly flicker and
be rather dim. After awhile one would readily shut off the lamp and head for
bed. It was far too bothersome to stay up too late. This makes a huge
difference. If I go to bed later I will need to sleep later to get an
acceptable amount of sleep. Therefore, getting up too early isn’t always such
an acceptable habit in the twenty-first century. Of course, at the same time,
it wouldn’t hurt some of us to turn in earlier in order to get up earlier for
an uninterrupted time and the quiet needed for a quality time with our dear
Father. But in today’s busy world it may well be more suitable to designate
another time in the day for a meaningful prayer time, especially for someone on
a night shift.
I share the above ideas that have
helped me not to be unnecessarily troubled when I don’t or can’t comply with
the examples of Jesus and the great saints of history.
None of the above should be construed
to minimize the need for much time and discipline in prayer and in the Word. I
merely want us to avoid unnecessary guilt trips which can be used of the evil
one to frustrate us.
dc
