What Should We Pray For? (S13 Episode5)

In 2016, Martin Scorsese released a passion project film – Silence. It was immediately lauded by critics as a thoughtful and moving meditation on faith and Christianity. Scorsese had turned theology into art. In making the film, Scorsese consulted with the Jesuit priest, James Martin, to ensure he conveyed Jesuit spirituality as accurately as possible. The leading actors in the film, Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver, spent a year learning under James Martin so they could play the role of Jesuit priests well. You should check out some of Andrew Garfield’s interviews about his experience making the film – fascinating stuff.

The film has stayed with me since I first saw it in 2016, but what I was particularly struck by was a specific question Martin Scorsese asked of James Martin. Scorsese wanted to authentically capture Jesuit faith under pressure. One scene in the film depicts a Jesuit priest facing a crucifixion drowning. Scorsese asked Martin what a Jesuit priest would pray for in such cruel circumstances. James Martin’s response (which makes it into the film) has stayed with me for years, and I want to share his insight with us all this Sunday. As we move towards the conclusion of our prayer series, this Sunday I simply want to ask the question, what should we pray for?