A few months ago this question presented itself to me, in a time of 'daydreaming' and life speculating. In much popular media i.e films and novels; what do many characters do when faced with a tragedy or strenuous event? Besides often cursing and swearing, they pray to God. They cry out to God to save them. To rescue them. To come through for them, often times when they have no faith or relationship with the Heavenly Father. I found this intrinsic instinct that humans have to be extremely interesting and wanted to dig deeper. I thought I would share my findings and musings. Some of this is pure speculation and experience from myself and others but on the flip side, some of this is scientific research and findings discovered via books or articles.
One finding that shocked me was a small part of an article by Dr Justin Barrett which consists of the following: 'young children have faith even when they have not been taught about it by family or at school, and argues that even those raised alone on a desert island would come to believe in God. The preponderance of scientific evidence for the past 10 years or so has shown that a lot more seems to be built into the natural development of children's minds than we once thought, including a predisposition to see the natural world as designed and purposeful and that some kind of intelligent being is behind that purpose. Dr Barrett said there is evidence that even by the age of four, children understand that although some objects are made by humans, the natural world is different. He added that this means children are more likely to believe in creationism rather than evolution, despite what they may be told by parents or teachers. "Children's normally and naturally developing minds make them prone to believe in divine creation and intelligent design. In contrast, evolution is unnatural for human minds; relatively difficult to believe."
This was a sobering conclusion by Dr Barrett. This proclivity to believe in a 'higher power'. Could this be a part of the answer of why humans cry out to the Lord? If we are born with that inclination, that awareness, then it would seem natural for us in times of crisis and emotional or physical pain, to cry out to that unknown 'power' for rescue. I know in my own life and I can share testimony after testimony of another arguably preconceived notion we are created with. There is a space in our hearts and souls reserved for Jesus Christ. I've heard countless often tear filled stories and lived my own of searching and seeking to satiate this aforementioned gap we have in our souls and attempting to occupy it. Seeking to find peace in our lives. People can seek family, friends, successful careers, or relationships to fulfill that emptiness. Oftentimes it's more harmful things humanity tests to fulfill that ache. Such as alcohol and drug abuse, pornography, gambling, and risky sexual activity. The solution I've been blessed to have discovered is that of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior over my life. That space is reserved for the King of Heaven and nothing will ever satisfy that ache and disquietude we all carry within us.
As we head back to the question of why we naturally cry out to God, I want to present this short portion from 'The Necessity of Prayer' by W.H. Hutchings, M.A. "Moreover, this instinct of prayer is an imperious one; it is one which will assert itself, even when it has been set aside, and its presence denied. There are moments in life when men are superior to their own principles, and human systems fail to silence the deep cry of the heart; when men pray who have denied the power of prayer. "That men OUGHT always to pray," then, is the teaching of nature, and prayer as a matter of natural religion is an express duty. When prayer is omitted we fail in the exercise of the love of God, for we desire to hold converse with those whom we love; the love of our neighbour we fail in also, for he needs our prayers; and the love of our soul we fail in, by the neglect of a duty upon which our spiritual life depends. It remains for us to notice when this precept of prayer is binding, so that the omission of it becomes a sin."
I found this content by Hutchings most fascinating. In fact, the most human thing we can ever do is pray. We are most human - virtuous, morally grounded, and generously walking in love - when we have consistent time spent on our knees. The most hope-filled and resilient people on this known planet, are those who give themselves to prayer. Likewise, the weakest will be found without a regular time of communication with God. Prayerlessness is an admission that you don't require God's help. You can go it alone. Such a posture weakens you and keeps God at arm's length. Only keeping Him for emergencies like a 'first aid kit'. Contrary to popular belief our God is not Santa Claus and does not wait for you to send up a quick prayer asking for that thing you desire or require. Our God is loving and wants to give us the best but He yearns for a relationship with us and all relationships require consistent two-way communication. For example; would you want to bless your coworker or do them a favour if they never once even spoke to you? Unless you have an extremely generous and gracious soul and complete understanding of 'Agape' love, the most likely answer for most of the population is 'NO'.
Not only should prayer be out of our natural love and appreciation for our Heavenly Father and a desire for deeper relationship with Him; but Prayer also contains mental, emotional and physical health benefits. Prayer slows our mind, calms our spirit, and centers our heart. It removes our mind from the culture of consumption that surrounds us and centers us on something greater and more important. It calls us to identify our desires and articulate our values. If you've not prayed in a while or have never prayed, don't worry. You can learn how to pray. In fact, Jesus taught the inquiring disciple that you learn prayers as you are praying. Start off by asking God to teach you how to pray. If God exists and indeed is omnipotent, He is intelligent enough to guide you in how to speak with Him. Be encouraged. Pray until you can pray.
This was a simple consideration to share with you. I hope you have found my thoughts and musings as I've explored this question and the albeit short amount of information and answers as interesting as I have. If you have any of your own questions pertaining to this particular blurb or are seeking your own relationship with God, if He stirred your heart at all in the midst of reading this, please do not hesitate to contact me via phone, social media, or e-mail.
