Prayerless Hermeneutics

Jesus taught his disciples to pray "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (Mt. 6:13)." Later, Peter boldly proclaimed, "though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away (Mt. 26:33)." Peter was confident. Jesus, however put little confidence in Peter, encouraging him on several occasions to "watch and pray" (Mt. 26:41). Unfortunately, Peter decided that prayer was unnecessary and this led to his denials.

I must confess that I so often walk the Christian life with a sense of Peter's self confidence. My prayer life lacks this humble cry to my Lord for deliverance from evil -- be that Satan, the world or my own cravings.

I have also wondered about my self confidence when it comes to academic pursuits. Could it be that I rely to much on my own ability to perceive truth from error? Could it be that I am guilty of a "prayerless hermeneutic"? Could it be that I lean to heavily on my "teachers" who sit on the book shelf or come to me via streaming audio?

Matthew's Gospel reminds us how the disciples failed to "perceive" or "understand" the miracles and teachings of Jesus (Mt. 16:5-12). However, when Peter finally understood who Jesus was, Jesus makes it quite clear that it was not "flesh and blood" that revealed this to him but rather His "Father in heaven"!

I think it is time for my prayer life to grow in humility, actively and intentionally crying out to our Father to deliver me from evil and to help me clearly understand! It is not that I will burn the books and disconnect the internet but by God's grace I will remember my ultimate teacher is the Lord himself!