I have likened the Way of Love to deepening an existing relationship. Relationships require regular conversation. In the Christian life we call that prayer. At the most basic level, to pray is to talk to God – and learn to listen.
Just as we Turn again to Jesus, and regularly Learn about him, Pray is best as a daily practice. We often pray through the day – small “please’s” and “thank you’s” and “help me’s.” We pray together in worship each week. But to Pray as a dedicated practice can renew our hearts and transform our lives. We gain not only a deeper connection to God; we reap benefits of deeper peace and joy, a sense of God’s presence, and sharper awareness of our purpose.
Such a prayer practice requires intention and discipline. If we are to offer God this kind of space in our hearts each day, we need to set aside a regular time; a dedicated place (prayer room, or chair); a bible and perhaps a candle, journal, icon or prayer beads, if those help you center.
You don’t have to start with silence. Read some scripture, and then voice (or write) what is taking up mental space – things that worry you, or you have to get done, people you love, hopes, dreams, sorrows, blessings you’re grateful for. If you find structure helpful, you can use a pattern like ACTS – Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.
- Adoration – taking time to praise God, which is not the same as thanking. Praise is naming the qualities we value in another. Praise expands our spirits and makes more room for God’s life in us.
- Confession – naming the ways we have been less than who God made us to be, how we have hurt ourselves or others, failed to honor the humanity of others or the gifts of this beautiful earth. We get real about who we are, and return to God’s loving embrace.
- Thanksgiving – naming what we’re grateful for so we don’t get complacent. it reminds us that God is in the business of blessing, no matter what is going on.
- Supplication – asking God’s transforming love to be at work in situations and people in need of it. It’s good to ask after being reminded of God’s love and mercy.
Communicating to God what’s going on in us is only the first part of the practice of Pray. The second is to leave equal time to become silent and listen for God. The child Samuel was told to say, when he heard God calling, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” This is a good phrase for us to use as we turn to silence.
We might feel a message of intense love and encouragement. We might be led into places in our imagination in which we can meet Jesus. We might have a question on our hearts and sense God’s answer. We might sense a calling to do something small – or life-changing. We might feel nothing. Listen as peacefully as you can, perhaps saying a word or phrase to occupy your mind (“Jesus,” “Peace,” “Be still and know that I am God…”). Sometimes we’ll perceive an answer later. We offer ourselves in discipline regardless of our experience on a given day. Often we'll discover in our lives more peace and focus, intimacy with God, and grace that transcends our circumstances.
Try on such a prayer practice for a time. You might keep a journal, to write what you experience. You can learn ways to get centered and still, from praying in tongues to mindfulness techniques. A spiritual director or friend can help listen with you for what God is saying and doing in your life. If you hit a dry patch, keep going. It’s not all up to you.
For prayer does not begin with us – it originates with God. We are joining a conversation that’s already ongoing on in the triune life of God and deep in our spirits. Paul writes, “We do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” In fact, Jesus said God will not withhold the Holy Spirit from those who pray.
There’s no one “correct” way to pray, and there’s no way to do it wrong – except not to do it.
We might feel a message of intense love and encouragement. We might be led into places in our imagination in which we can meet Jesus. We might have a question on our hearts and sense God’s answer. We might sense a calling to do something small – or life-changing. We might feel nothing. Listen as peacefully as you can, perhaps saying a word or phrase to occupy your mind (“Jesus,” “Peace,” “Be still and know that I am God…”). Sometimes we’ll perceive an answer later. We offer ourselves in discipline regardless of our experience on a given day. Often we'll discover in our lives more peace and focus, intimacy with God, and grace that transcends our circumstances.
Try on such a prayer practice for a time. You might keep a journal, to write what you experience. You can learn ways to get centered and still, from praying in tongues to mindfulness techniques. A spiritual director or friend can help listen with you for what God is saying and doing in your life. If you hit a dry patch, keep going. It’s not all up to you.
For prayer does not begin with us – it originates with God. We are joining a conversation that’s already ongoing on in the triune life of God and deep in our spirits. Paul writes, “We do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” In fact, Jesus said God will not withhold the Holy Spirit from those who pray.
There’s no one “correct” way to pray, and there’s no way to do it wrong – except not to do it.
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