A Praying Life (Chapters 9-12)

Until now I have never reflected very deeply on how cynicism impacts my life and my prayer. I have a fairly optimistic and persevering outlook on life and would not label myself as a cynical person. However, reading chapters 9-12 has helped me to realize that we all battle cynicism, but we can win that battle!

Chapter 9 (Understanding Cynicism)

Miller says, “Many Christians stand at the edge of cynicism, struggling with a defeated weariness. Their spirits have begun to deaden, but unlike the cynic they’ve not lost hope.” (p. 77)

The feel of cynicism: wry assurance everyone has an angle, there is a silver lining behind every cloud, always observing, critiquing, but never engaging, distant, and passive.

The journey into cynicism: Naive optimism (rooted in the goodness of people instead of the Father) >> Shattered optimism >> Defeated Weariness >> Cynicism.

“Weariness and fear leave us feeling overwhelmed, unable to move. Cynicism leaves us doubting, unable to dream. The combination shuts down our hearts, and we just show up for life, going through the motions. Some days it’s difficult to get out of our pajamas” (p. 82).

Chapter 10-11 (Following Jesus Out of Cynicism & Developing An Eye for Jesus)

6 Cures for Cynicism (spanning ch. 10-11):

1. Be warm but wary- “the feel of a praying life is cautious optimism- caution because of the Fall, optimism because of redemption.”
   
2. Learn to hope again- Miller speaks here of how he came to disagree with a respected Christian friend who held the philosophy of ‘Expect nothing. Then if something good happens be thankful.” Christians are to be more hopeful (Romans 15:13).
   
3. Cultivate a childlike spirit- Be able to see more than just the evil around you. Like a child be able to forget it at times. Be able to see God at work in the valley (Psalm 23).
   
4. Cultivating a thankful spirit- Nothing undercuts cynicism more than a spirit of thankfulness.
   
   “Cynicism looks reality in the face, calls it phony, and prides itself on its insight as it pulls back. Thanksgiving looks reality in the face and rejoices at God’s care. It replaces a bitter spirit with a generous one” (p. 90).
   
5. Cultivating repentance- We must recognize and repent of the ways we are being hypocritical, judgmental, and cynical and even projecting our issues on others (i.e. Eliab- David’s older brother).
   
6. Developing an eye for Jesus- See Jesus everywhere.
   
   “If you were to look at a photo album of his (Jesus) life, you would not see him with the best and brightest, but with the low and the slow. The only photo of him with a famous person would be with Pilate at his trial, but then Jesus was in bad shape” (p. 96).
   
   “Cynicism looks in the wrong direction. It looks for cracks in Christianity instead of looking for the presence of Jesus” (p. 96).
   
   “Even with the messed-up Corinthian church, Paul is thankful: ‘I give thanks to my God always for you’ (1 Cor. 1:4). Then he addresses their permitting of incest, suing one another in court, and getting drunk at the Lord’s supper! Because he keeps an eye on the present work of Jesus, Paul is not overcome by evil but overcomes evil with good” (p. 99).