Excerpt from 1 Samuel 7:3-15

"Keep praying to the Lord our God to save us…" (Good News Bible)

Reflection by William C. Green

The "fight-or-flight" response is wired into our nervous system. In the earliest humans fight took the form of combative behavior, and flight was simply fleeing from danger.

Today these primal instincts persist but in a wider range of behaviors. In everyday experience, the fight response may be seen in angry, argumentative behavior, and the flight response in social withdrawal, substance abuse, or hours on the web.

"Fight or flight" are not instincts we can outgrow. Sometimes they are important to our survival and sense of self. Sometimes they need to be controlled. But they are always part of who we are, a heritage we can't disown.

Prayer offers a third response that evolved over time. Some think it began as an effort to control or appease the powers of an awesome universe.  But when prayer happens in the name, or spirit, of Christ, it's not to control or appease a higher power. It's to trust that this power is good and works to help us.

Jesus asks us to pray first and not just fight, flee — or freeze. We are given his promise that God's will is our salvation. Our job is to accept the guidance and correction, the hope and confidence that no one and nothing else alone can provide.

Prayer

You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands. You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever. Amen.

About the Author William C. Green is Vice-President for Strategy and Development, Moral Courage Project, NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and the author of 52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation: Generous Giving.