The thought came to me the other day that there’s something of a connection between C. S. Lewis’ The Silver Chair and prayer. The following analogy may not be perfect or true of everybody, but it’s mostly on point from my personal experiences.
The Silver Chair was, chronologically, the second last book in Lewis’ seven books The Chronicles of Narnia. It tells the story of two children – Eustace Scrubb and Jill Pole – who are summoned into Narnia. With the help of a Marsh-wiggle, they are tasked to find King Caspian’s son, Prince Rillian, who mysteriously disappeared after his mother’s death.
These three individuals set out towards the Northern Wastes, and through a series of mishaps are providentially guided into a dark Underworld ruled by a Witch-Queen. The Witch’s Consort is a foolish-sounding young man who doesn’t seem to be quite right in the head.
In the absence of the Witch the prince informs the three that he is enchanted and cursed. During these times of madness he must be tied to a Silver Chair until it subsides. He asks them to stay with him as he can’t bear to be alone. He further admonishes them not to unbind him regardless of what he says when the madness overtakes him. Obviously they agree.
A problem arises when the prince – in this alleged ranting state – implores them to release him in the name of Aslan (a Christ-figure). This was the Fourth Sign given to Jill by Aslan:
“…you will know the lost prince (if you find him) by this, that he will be the first person you have met in your travels who will ask you to do something in my name, the name of Aslan.”
Of course, as it turns out, the Witch’s Consort is really Prince Rillian. And it was only when he was bound in the Silver Chair that he was in his right mind. But most of the time he lived under a delusion in that dark Underworld.
How much like Rillian I am! Most of the time I walk around lost under the influences and cares of this world. I can spend a good amount of time in morning prayers and devotionals; sometimes I can gain insights; and sometimes I can seemingly feel the Holy Spirit’s guidance – but as soon as I get off my chair the world comes flooding back in. Within minutes I’ve forgotten Narnia (heaven) – I’m back in that Underworld (this world).
I can see why Daniel, who lived in Babylon, prayed three times a day. The old saints like Robert Bruce, John Flavel and Mathew Henry etc prayed constantly throughout the day. Bruce was known to do nothing until he first consulted God in prayer. The lived physically on earth, yet spiritually always in heaven.
This is something I constantly battle with. I know I’m not alone. We must continually give ourselves to fervent prayer. We must continually remind ourselves that we are citizens of heaven, not this world. It isn’t a perfect analogy, but when the prince was in the chair he remembered Aslan and Narnia – so, we too, when we pray draw nearer to God and heaven.
Father, may the Holy Spirit open our eyes and hearts so that this shadow world becomes less real to us than you. Help us to continually live in the reality that you have adopted us into your family – the family of God – and that our citizenship is in heaven.
Further reading:
9 Ways To Pray Like Charles Spurgeon
Sharing is caring!
