Prayer: Conversations in Faith
I am sitting at my desk this afternoon, beginning my second post and considering what to write. This will be published several days after these first words are struck, but as I sit and consider what to write, I realized that today was the day of International Prayer. From those early Hail Mary’s and praying the hours on a strict schedule to now praying as the moment arises, prayer has been a constant in my life since I was fifteen.
Why do we Pray?
Prayer serves many roles in people’s lives. As a therapist, I believe in a lot of ways it becomes a form of perceived control when things are uncontrollable, say in the instance of a major illness, imminent death or some other tragedy.
While prayer can often be seen as a refuge in times of despair, it also serves as a constant companion and a means to cultivate a deeper spiritual connection, enriching one’s life beyond moments of crisis. In my experience, prayer has grown from a series of recitations to an ongoing, dynamic conversation with the divine. Whether in moments of joy or sorrow, prayer offers an avenue to express one’s innermost thoughts and emotions. It is through this personal engagement that prayer transcends its traditional boundaries, becoming a profound dialogue that nurtures the soul and fosters resilience. Exploring the myriad forms of prayer, such as adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession, allows us to embrace the full spectrum of communication with God and to deepen our spiritual voyage. This evolution in understanding not only enhances our relationship with the divine but also transforms our approach to life’s challenges, offering solace, guidance, and inspiration.
Can Our Prayers Mature?
Famously as children, we are taught to pray:
“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the lord my soul to keep, if I die before I wake, I pray to the Lord my soul to take” (I completely wrote this and read this hearing James Hetfield’s voice here).
For many of us, God is presented as a boogey man that smites us on high. Certainly, there are many theologies and Christian, Jewish and Islamic orientations that present God this way, but God also can be seen as intimate and close by. Jesus calls God “Abba” or daddy, indicating a more intimate relationship with God. As we age, our prayer life can mature. Maturity in prayer is a lifelong journey, not a destination. It involves a deepening relationship with God, characterized by honesty, vulnerability, a broader understanding of prayer’s purpose, and a commitment to consistent engagement. Maturing in prayer recognizes the uncontrolling love of God.
Let’s explore the movement one can take towards a deeper spiritual maturity. I still take time now and again to pray the hours. I have done this in some fashion for around thirty years. Early on in our journey we are told how to pray, and we are given all kinds of formulas and prompts, but prayer, as you get older simply becomes a conversation with God.
Consider these alternatives to petitionary prayer:
- Adoration: Praising God for who He is and His attributes. I have had countless moments of these very short prayers of praise whether it is sunsets or small client victories, thanking God for God’s present in the moment brings me closer to God.
- Confession: Honestly acknowledging our sins and shortcomings.
- Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for blessings, both big and small.
- Intercession: Praying for others – family, friends, community, leaders, and even enemies.
- Pray for Spiritual Growth: Ask God for deeper faith, wisdom, discernment, courage, and a greater understanding of God’s will.
- Pray Scripture: Use Bible verses as a foundation for your prayers. Praying Scripture back to God can deepen your understanding and align your heart with God’s Word. My favorite coffee mug has Psalm 23 on it. I read it every morning as reminder of God’s providence.
Through practices of lectio divina and centering prayer, we deepen our experience of scripture and focus on God’s presence in our lives. When we pray in silence we are spending time in stillness, listening for God’s quiet voice.
In June, I am taking my annual trip to the Appalachian trail to hike a section. For me, time in nature is always communion with God. If I can pull it off, I usually bring an audio book to listen to as a form of lectio in the morning. Praying with nature is a powerful way to discover God’s presence and inspiration in the natural world.
Other practices we can engage in are journaling your prayers. This blog started out after I began missing the process of writing sermons weekly and in a way became my journal of my lectio and moving meditations. Finally, we can engage our senses by turning off our music, turning off all distractions and allowing our five senses to pick up on God’s reverberance in our daily life. When we truly cultivate a listening heart, we will hear the presence of God.
To Close
In closing, prayer, for me, has always been a way to find solace and guidance. It is a practice that brings a sense of peace amidst the chaos of daily life, a way to center myself and remember what is truly important. Whether it is a quick, silent prayer during a hectic day or a longer, more meditative session in a quiet moment, each prayer is a chance to reconnect with my faith and find clarity and strength.
As we observe International Prayer Day, it is a reminder of the power and importance of prayer in our lives. It is a time to reflect on our own practices, and the role prayer plays in our personal and spiritual growth. Prayer is not just about asking for help or guidance; it is also about expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and finding the courage to face the challenges ahead.
In sharing my journey with prayer, my hope is that others might find inspiration and encouragement in their own practices. Whether you are new to prayer or have been practicing for years, there is always room to grow and deepen your connection. Prayer is a personal and evolving journey, one that can bring profound peace and understanding.
So, as you go about your day, take a moment to pause and pray. Let it be a moment of reflection, gratitude, and connection. Let it be a time to find peace and strength, and to remember that you are never alone on this journey of faith.
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