I just watched Clash of the Titans last week. One issue with being a pastor and all around Bible nerd is that I can’t watch a movie without making connections to the Bible, whether it be from an explicit reference or what I think is an implied jab. One of the most interesting aspects of Clash of the Titans was the role of prayer in the lives of the people and the gods.

Zeus and his evil bro Hades (hint hint) have a conversation about the prayers of the people, and Zeus points out that the prayers are necessary because they are what bring immortality to the gods. Hades, who was banished to the underworld, feeds off the fears of the people-so he’s a grumpy mcgrumperson. In return for prayers and the immortality they bring, the gods then bless the people. I couldn’t help but think to myself, “I be there are people who think God is like this, playing a game of ‘I’m going to smite you until you pray to me!!!'”

Now I don’t put it past God to use pain in order to help us focus on what matters and examine where we may be losing our proximity to Him. But God is a God of communication. He speaks the world into existence. Following that, the Bible is a whole lot of, “And God said,” or “And the Lord said.” God speaks. God listens. We mostly speak. So I was just thinking that maybe, possibly, just possibly, it would be good if we listened.

God doesn’t need our prayers, but He likes them. That’s why He created prayer. I can’t help but believe, though, that God would love for us to listen to Him for a change.