If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times you don’t seem to know enough to come inside when it’s raining cats and dogs.
When someone says it’s raining cats and dogs, we don’t run out hoping for a free kitten from the heavens. We grab an umbrella, raincoat and galoshes because it’s raining hard. But if someone says the rain drops must be at least 10 millimeters, we first may need to ask google how wet we’ll get if we go outside.
And mom didn’t really mean she counted that many times she told you. Rather, she’s showing her annoyance that more than one time wasn’t enough.
Using hyperbole and metaphors conveys meaning in a more memorable way than stating facts.
Jakob Straub, an expert storyteller, writes in a blog post, “Hyperbole is one of the literary devices such as simile, metaphor, personification, or euphemism which use figurative language to create meaning beyond the conventional definition of the individual words, deviating from the literal meaning.”
As a writer and storyteller, Straub knows that keeping our attention isn’t easy. And attention spans are shorter than ever. For effective writing, Straub recommends the careful use of literary devices to make content more interesting. For example, using powerful metaphors is more effective for longer term impact.
So should we use literal devices in prayers? Doesn’t God see right through them? Is praying a contest where the winner’s prayers get answered? The short answers are maybe, yes and no.
First, prayer may as well be honest. God already knows where we’re headed before we do. Why not start a prayer with “Lord, if I’ve asked you once, I’ve asked you a thousand times,” if this is how you feel? God knows how often and how sincere you’ve been.
But let’s get to the main point marked by Adam Hamilton’s label for this week’s chapter from his book, “When Prayers Go Unanswered.”
I’m convinced that God answers prayers. But thankfully, God doesn’t answer all prayers. At least, not in the way we hope. Nevertheless, frustration, because of God’s inaction, is a common experience.
Does this distress call sound familiar? “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? I have cried desperately for help, but still it does not come. During the day, I call to you, my God, but you do not answer; I call at night, but get no rest” (Psalm 22:1-2).
Who hasn’t felt this way when we want and need God’s intervention but there is no sign God is even listening? When our prayers, particularly our most desperate prayers, go unanswered, it can feel like God isn’t interested in our problems.
Yet, elsewhere in scripture, Jesus encourages us to ask for everything we need. And it’s often easier to rationalize that God provides what we need, but not necessarily our wants. This rationalization leaves us unsatisfied, since desperation usually feels like an absolute need that God ignores.
One of the more confusing stories shared by Matthew about Jesus regards an encounter with a fig tree. It’s hard not to read the story literally when you’ve experienced similar frustration. Jesus is leaving the temple when he spots a fig tree. Matthew tells us Jesus was hungry for a fresh fig but couldn’t find a single fig on the tree. Frustrated, Jesus condemns the tree, and it dries up.
Amazed by what they saw, His followers asked Jesus how it was possible the tree dried up so quickly. Jesus responded by telling them, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
And as though He needed to punctuate the power of prayer, Jesus told them, “You will even be able to say to this hill, ‘Get up and throw yourself in the sea,’ and it will” (Matthew 21:21-22).
You will even be able to say to this hill, “Get up and throw yourself in the sea,” and it will. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Matthew 21:18-22
Now that’s really a powerful prayer. So if I ask God to move a gigantic pile of dirt left over from excavating for our driveway, can I save the cost of labor and equipment to spread the dirt for us? Likely not.
But I’m guessing that if I pray God will watch over me as I spend the hours it takes to move the dirt pile, God will do it.
If you’re following me, you should be confused by now. Jesus told His followers Jesus would move a hill of dirt if they asked. Do they get insider consideration and I don’t?
The contradiction began when I interpreted the story literally. Scripture is full of metaphors and Jesus, a master storyteller, used hyperbole and metaphors generously. Otherwise, the limitations of language would limit the power of the stories He told.
I believe the same Spirit Jesus was talking about empowered the writer of Matthew. And within the constraints of the language Matthew knew, but beyond the capabilities and capacities Matthew possessed, we’re left with divine insight into prayer.
Eugene Boring in the New Interpreters Bible draws attention to what happened before and after this story. Jesus left the temple after turning over the tables of the money changers and reminding us “fruitless” religion was never God’s intention.
The fig tree, like fruitless religion, withers. The story isn’t about kicking the vending machine when your selection doesn’t drop. Using hyperbole and metaphors, Jesus contrasts the fruitfulness of trusting God as we go about utilizing the gifts given to us to serve others.
In this week’s chapter from our companion book, Adam Hamilton introduces pray and work. We pray for those things we’re actively working to resolve.
Jesus says we can move mountains through prayer and work. We pray for what we both need and want while taking action.
I believe God answers all prayers. But not necessarily with the response we want.
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A reminder that we publish this newsletter that we call the Circuit Rider each week. You can request this publication by email. Send a request to FlintAsburyUMC@gmail.com or let us know when you send a message through our website. We post an archive of past editions on our website under the tab, Connect – choose Newsletters.
Pastor Tommy
Parts of our series was inspired by Adam Hamilton. Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith. Nashville: Abington Press, 2023.
Jakob Straub. “Hyperbole: What Is It and How to Use It in Your Writing.” © Jakob Straub, April 4, 2024. Retrieved from: link