Lutherans and Prayer


© John L. Hoh, Jr.
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May 18, 2001


Saying Grace...

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.

He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."

"Really?" my son asked.

"Cross my heart," the man replied. Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kid's ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

(This anecdote is from an e-mail I received and not my family experience.)

What is a proper prayer? How do we pray that is proper? And how do Lutherans view prayer?

It is a somewhat known fact that prayer in Lutheran circles, in somewhat recent history, was a rare art form. The general prayer years ago was intoned by the pastor and the congregation drifted off. It soon was eliminated to shorten the service, although it now is making a comeback in a litany form. Many meetings, if they begin or end with prayer, usually use the Lord's Prayer-a fine model, but not the end-all and be all prayer.

So, how would you answer the young man above? Is it appropriate to ask for ice cream? Well, read on.

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
1.   Aug 6, 2002 9:16 PM
I have made it a habit to have a Bible class participant say an opening prayer and someone say a closing prayer each Sunday. It helps to re-inforce the concept of the "priesthood of all believers." No ...

-- posted by H2O



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