My wife and I watched the movie about C.S. Lewis on Amazon Prime called “The Most Reluctant Convert.” We both agree that it is “a lot of talking.” Amidst all the dialogue, a line jumped out at me.

C.S. Lewis describes his childhood, pre-conversion view of God not as a Savior or Judge, but merely as “a sort of Magician who, if asked properly, would grant a request”. He believed this genie-like figure should “go back into his bottle until needed again.”

That is the picture of numerous people who walk through the doors of the Church I lead. Life has thrown them a curveball, and they are trying to figure out their next steps. Many of them are approaching God as a sort of magician who grants our requests and makes things better again. Then they can return to their life and forget about God until the next time they have a wish for him to fulfill.

While prayer is basically presenting our requests to God, it flows from a relationship built on communication and trust. That does not mean he gives us everything we desire; it means he gives us what is best for us and molds our hearts as we place our concerns before him.

One question worth asking about your faith is, “How do you view God?” If you think of him as a magician, you will always be disappointed. If you view him as a loving Father, you will never be let down.