​How Should We Then Pray? (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

TEXT: Habakkuk
 
OBSERVATION

• The time of Habbakuk as prophet in Judah is around the same time as Nahum, and while Babylon is gaining power over Assyria. Between 640 and 605 BC.
• In contrast to some of the other written prophecies that gave a message from God to the people, this book records a (prayer) dialogue between God and Habbakuk. Times were bad – there was no doubt about that. Between the times of Assyria’s militant forays into Judah, the people of Judah themselves engaged in violence and injustice against the vulnerable in their own nation.
• Habbakuk engaged the Lord God by asking the question, “Why is there no justice for the poor, why do the wicked continue to gain wealth and power?” God answers Habbakuk’s lament of injustice. He says he is sending Babylon to take over and punish sin. Habbakuk (somewhat to our surprise), further objects and says, “yes, but they (Babylonians) are even worse than the Hebrew wicked, what will you do about that?”
• When it seems God does not answer that part of Habbakuk’s question, H. says he will go to the watchtower and wait to see what the Lord will say. The Lord answers by saying that this vision (of the Babylonian takeover) is for the future but Judah is to wait patiently for God.

Taunt songs (or songs of Woe) – against those from Judah and from other nations who practice injustice and violence. God will take down those who are proud and trusting in their own might.

• (2: 6-8) against extortionists and thieves, ,
• (9-11) against Dishonesty,
• (12-14) against murder and corruption,
• (15-17) against disgraceful acts against people, animals, &
• (18-20) against idolatry.

• Chapter 3 – Habakkuk’s prayer is, first of all, a plea for mercy. Then a song of praise to God as a mighty warrior and a great leader.
• As with other prophets, Habbakuk is appropriately in awe and fear of the tremendous power and salvation of God. He then sings his prayer of submission to almighty God: “…yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.”

 
INTERPRETATION

• Habbakuk’s vision of the Babylonian takeover is for an event to happen in the distant future, not the immediate future. This is also a warning for the people of Judah, especially for the wicked who practice injustice against their own people.
• Habbakuk’s prayer or dialogue with God can be used as a template for us, an example of prayer. Firstly, we can honestly express our questions and our sadness to God. God knows it all, regardless. Secondly, we can ask follow-up questions…”yes, I hear you God, but I still wonder about the…”
• There is a time to “go to the watchtower” and wait for God’s answer (2:1).
• Prayer must include praise to the greatness of God, and submission to the Lord who is greater than any human being.

 
APPLICATION
The question asked at the title of this scripture asks “how should we then pray?” We can use the prayers of Habbakuk as examples for our own prayers and dialogue with God.
 
QUESTION
What is God telling me, telling us (the family, the church) in this time of darkness. Example: “Even though I don’t understand what is going on, you are God and you are in control of history. You are Lord of all the earth.” How shall I respond to this God?
 
PRAYER
Dear Lord God, how are you expanding my understanding, and my experience of you during this time of darkness? How shall I praise you? I do trust you for our salvation and our well-being. Nevertheless—whatever happens, I will trust you. I will follow you.
(I call this faith with no back door).
 
SONG – I will sing… Hab.3:17-18 
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Another version of the scripture in song: (this is the scripture song I learned long ago…)
Though the fig tree does not blossom…