Can I Even Pray This Sunday?
Pastor's Update #22
Have you ever felt confused about how and what to pray for?
Well, I have experienced this dilemma time and time again, and this weekend is one of those instances. The Armenian Prelacy has instructed the churches under her jurisdiction to conduct a special service on the 33rd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia. Traditionally, we have welcomed these instructions enthusiastically. But the challenge is that a year ago, around this time, Armenians faced the massive deportation of the indigenous people of Artsakh. Over 130,000 Armenians were forced to leave their homes behind and relocate as refugees in the Republic of Armenia. A year later, the international community, as well as many Armenians, try not to remember these tragic events and move forward as if nothing happened.
The depopulation of Armenians from Artsakh can be likened to an amputation. This comparison is painful to witness and equally painful to think about. Just as an amputation causes immediate pain and continues to be painful as the person mourns the loss of a part of the body, the depopulation of Artsakh has caused ongoing pain for the affected individuals and all the concerned Armenians worldwide.
I am troubled by the rhetoric that suggests Artsakh was a burden. The Republic of Armenia's separation from this costly burden allegedly improved international relationships, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life. As someone who is not a politician or economist, I acknowledge my limitations in understanding such matters and refrain from commenting on the validity of these claims. I also want to avoid sounding like someone with a comfortable life in a Western society who is oblivious to the dire economic situation faced by some of our fellow Armenians. On the contrary, I recognize the positive impact of an improved socioeconomic status on families and society. However, I question whether sacrificing Artsakh was necessary for the Republic of Armenia to achieve security and prosperity. I wonder why the choices had to be either/or instead of both.
These thoughts make me overwhelmed and uncertain about the intention of my prayers. I don’t think that I treat God as a butler or someone who fulfills our wishes and desires, specially those that are impossible, and therefore, we need to go to God with specific petitions. Nonetheless, I have not accepted that 30-plus years of struggle and sacrifice have resulted in the catastrophic and overnight depopulation of Artsakh Armenians. I have a hard time praying for the elected officials of the Republic of Armenia, past and current, because they abandoned not only the Armenians of Artsakh but also our traditional values of courage, integrity, and prudence.
“They have no wine”. I love this prayer.
This is what Mary said to Jesus when she went to Him during the wedding in Cana of Galilee. That petition resulted in the miracle of turning the water into wine. Mary did not give Jesus suggestions or instructions but simply stated the problem.
Like Mary, I invite you to present our petition to God this Sunday.
We echo Mary's words and say: "We have no wine." Our joy has dried up as we witness thousands of young Armenians killed and laid to rest in Yerablur. Their children have been orphaned, and their widows are emotionally crushed. We have lost our sense of direction and don’t know where to turn. We bring before you, Lord, the anguish of our hearts, the bitterness of our thoughts, and the darkness of our vision. We trust that You can replace our spiritual dryness with a sweet wine only You can provide. We are Your servants. We listen to You. Amen.
Prayerfully,
Well, I have experienced this dilemma time and time again, and this weekend is one of those instances. The Armenian Prelacy has instructed the churches under her jurisdiction to conduct a special service on the 33rd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia. Traditionally, we have welcomed these instructions enthusiastically. But the challenge is that a year ago, around this time, Armenians faced the massive deportation of the indigenous people of Artsakh. Over 130,000 Armenians were forced to leave their homes behind and relocate as refugees in the Republic of Armenia. A year later, the international community, as well as many Armenians, try not to remember these tragic events and move forward as if nothing happened.
The depopulation of Armenians from Artsakh can be likened to an amputation. This comparison is painful to witness and equally painful to think about. Just as an amputation causes immediate pain and continues to be painful as the person mourns the loss of a part of the body, the depopulation of Artsakh has caused ongoing pain for the affected individuals and all the concerned Armenians worldwide.
I am troubled by the rhetoric that suggests Artsakh was a burden. The Republic of Armenia's separation from this costly burden allegedly improved international relationships, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life. As someone who is not a politician or economist, I acknowledge my limitations in understanding such matters and refrain from commenting on the validity of these claims. I also want to avoid sounding like someone with a comfortable life in a Western society who is oblivious to the dire economic situation faced by some of our fellow Armenians. On the contrary, I recognize the positive impact of an improved socioeconomic status on families and society. However, I question whether sacrificing Artsakh was necessary for the Republic of Armenia to achieve security and prosperity. I wonder why the choices had to be either/or instead of both.
These thoughts make me overwhelmed and uncertain about the intention of my prayers. I don’t think that I treat God as a butler or someone who fulfills our wishes and desires, specially those that are impossible, and therefore, we need to go to God with specific petitions. Nonetheless, I have not accepted that 30-plus years of struggle and sacrifice have resulted in the catastrophic and overnight depopulation of Artsakh Armenians. I have a hard time praying for the elected officials of the Republic of Armenia, past and current, because they abandoned not only the Armenians of Artsakh but also our traditional values of courage, integrity, and prudence.
“They have no wine”. I love this prayer.
This is what Mary said to Jesus when she went to Him during the wedding in Cana of Galilee. That petition resulted in the miracle of turning the water into wine. Mary did not give Jesus suggestions or instructions but simply stated the problem.
Like Mary, I invite you to present our petition to God this Sunday.
We echo Mary's words and say: "We have no wine." Our joy has dried up as we witness thousands of young Armenians killed and laid to rest in Yerablur. Their children have been orphaned, and their widows are emotionally crushed. We have lost our sense of direction and don’t know where to turn. We bring before you, Lord, the anguish of our hearts, the bitterness of our thoughts, and the darkness of our vision. We trust that You can replace our spiritual dryness with a sweet wine only You can provide. We are Your servants. We listen to You. Amen.
Prayerfully,
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