Note: On Tuesdays and some Sundays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.
The New American Bible notes on today’s second reading from 1 Timothy 2;* tell us Paul’s intent is to direct that “the prayer of the community should be unmarred by internal dissension.” (The verses that follow the reading, for example, set forth rules for women in community worship.)
It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.
I wonder, though, if Paul also was talking about something more basic. What does our prayer life look like? We all know about ACTS—adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication. But how much of our time is spent in supplication… and how much of it is done without anger or argument? Do we spend time beseeching the Lord to punish someone who has injured us? Do we complain about the challenges we are facing… chronic illness, the loss of loved ones, trouble at work, a disappointment in our relationships?
It’s one thing to be angry with God. It’s quite another to devote our prayers to that end, rather than asking for relief or clarity or patience. As we lift up those hands, let’s keep our call to holiness in mind.
