Everyday intervention

This article addresses the question of whether God intervenes in the regular workings of the physical world, either unprompted or in response to prayer. Its focus is on intervention that is not in the ordinary sense miraculous. It is proposed that, because humans undeniably have the ability to intervene and change the course of events, it is perverse and illogical to hold that the Creator cannot do likewise. But perhaps God chooses not to exercise his prerogative to intervene. Would not such intervention abrogate the God-given autonomy of the created world that makes its workings helpfully predictable and also accessible to scientific enquiry? Indeed, is it not unseemly for God to interfere with the day-to-day workings of the world? Jesus’ teaching about God’s nature suggests a nuanced approach, that of parenthood: one that includes the option to intervene, but is considerate and restrained. God’s intervention in response to prayer is the consistent premise of the Old and New Testaments, and it is probably unwise to put much store on human ability to discern what is and is not fitting for God to do. The validity and legitimacy of intercessory prayer are affirmed.