How can I help you today?

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I got to church this morning (I work at an Anglican church in London) and was just about to have my morning coffee before work when a colleague asked me if I can join him in praying with a person who wants prayer.  I agreed.  Obviously.  That's what good Christians do, isn't it?

This man's story, which I will not share, made me wonder what exactly it is that "good Christian people" should do.  I can't remember many times in my life where I've felt so helpless and wordless.  I knew what and in Whom I believe, but there were no words to convey my beliefs to this man in dire need.  I also didn't have the physical means to help him out of the trouble he is/was in.  I was only able to pray for him.

Two things jump to mind when I think about this episode.

Firstly, I was reminded that prayer is not a consolation prize to people we don't want to, or are able to, help.  Prayer is a powerful thing;  not because of who is praying, but because of Who we're praying to.  Wayne A. Grudem said: "If we pray little, it is probably because we do not really believe that prayer accomplishes much at all."

Secondly, I was reminded of how easily we, as "good Christian people" can get out of touch with the real world.  It's much easier to turn a blind eye to need, because we believe in a "good and friendly God" and we can't seem to make real need fit into a world that is made by this "good and friendly God."  How far will the good news of Jesus be heard when people are hungry, lonely, hopelessly lost in a world that doesn't show that it cares?

I had to ask myself this question:  What am I doing to make the world, wherever I am, a better place?

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