SHADOWLANDS (1993)

Directed by: Richard Attenborough
Written by: William Nicholson
Studio: Savoy Pictures
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Debra Winger, Michael Denison
Rated: PG

About the film:
C.S. Lewis, a professor at Oxford University and Christian author of children’s books, begins a romance with a free-spirited American fan named Joy. Their romance comes to a bittersweet end when Joy is diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Movie Quote:
“I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God, it changes me.”
C.S. Lewis (Anthony Hopkins) in Shadowlands (1993)

Bible Quote:
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16 (NIV)

Commentary:
C.S. Lewis offers a beautiful expression of how he views prayer. By saying that “it doesn’t change God, it changes me,” he speaks a profound truth that, once recognized, may forever change the manner in which we pray.

What is the value of prayer? Why should we ask God to do things for us that we can’t do for ourselves? If God loves us, why doesn’t He just act on our behalf regardless of what we do?

The answer should be obvious. Among the laws of the universe which He has designed, God has given us free will. Certainly He wants us to have what He knows is best for us but He cannot contradict His own design. He has given us free will which means that He must wait until we welcome Him into our lives.

Praying to God softens our hearts and attitude. God is constant. He is all good and He is all giving. We’re the variable ones in this equation. His desire is always to bless us. But He doesn’t give until we bridge the gulf between us and demonstrate that we are ready to receive.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. One key to prayer can be found in Mark 11:24. Consider C.S. Lewis’ quote from the context of this verse.
2. Why do some prayers seem to go unnoticed? What is the key to maintaining our faith in the face of tragedies or disappointments?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com