"If you can do anything..." part 2

I teach at a private Christian school.  Every day after rising for Oh Canada, we have a student read some scripture and pray over the intercom to start our day.

Almost every day the student will pray something like,
“May everyone who has a test today do well on it,”
“May everyone who has a cold feel better today,”
“Give us all a good day today.”

I’m guessing these kind of prayers must sound like fingernails on a chalkboard in the ears of God.

I mean, come on!

Here we are -- covered with the blood of the lamb, in the throne room of The Almighty, Holy of Holies, we have the full attention of the Creator of all that ever was, is, or will be.  He is tuned to us with rapt attention, and perhaps like Jesus often inquired, He is asking, “What do you want me to do for you?”

And we ask for “a good day”??  What is up with that?  Don’t we KNOW he is capable of a whole lot MORE than giving us one “good day”??

This minimal attitude of ours reminds me of a story in Mark chapter 9:

Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.  His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.  And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.  Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”  Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.  As they were coming down the mountain, ...

They came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them...  A man in the crowd said, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.  Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground.  He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”  Jesus replied, “Bring the boy to me.”

So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion.  He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.  Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered.  "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

That’s the part that really amazes me.  This man has no idea Who he is talking to!!

Does he think he is at the return counter at Canadian Tire, “Hey, buddy, if you can do anything, I’d like to return this tool.”

Or does he think he’s at the garage talking to his mechanic, “My engine is making this wierd noise, if you can do anything, let me know.”

Just 5 minutes before, Jesus showed Himself for Who He really is.  The One and Only Holy Son of a Holy God.  And this guy says, “If you can do anything...”?

Jesus says, “‘If you can’”!?!?

You better believe he can!!  He can do anything!  So why are we asking for a “good day”???  Can’t we think of something more significant, more life-changing, more important to ask for from the Almighty Creator of the entire Universe?

*****