Taking Part in Petition

Often after a tragedy we hear from officials that, "Our thoughts and prayers are with...". Almost immediately we also hear cries that "Thoughts and prayers" are meaningless, performative politispeak that avoid meaningful action. At the same time we hear that petitionary prayer is a lesser kind of prayer, a lower level of prayer than contemplative or communing prayer. But when we listen to Jesus' teaching on prayer we hear an emphasis on asking. Jesus calls us to pray that God's Kingdom would come and to ask for what we need precisely because our God is a living and active God who gives good gifts to His children and works justice for his elect. We take part in God's purposes in the world by asking in prayer.