Learning to Pray

Today I did something I have never done before. I prayed for close to an hour.  Back and forth.  In a sacred space. With a sacred friend.  It was as peaceful as waves lapping at the ocean shore.  The day was cold, gray, drizzly outside, but in this space, it felt as though the warmth of the sun was shining on my face on a perfect summer's day.

Prayer for me is a tough discipline.  I think much of how we approach it is just plain wrong.  I think for a lot of people it is an afterthought in their day if they think about it at all.  For many. it is something they only do when things are going badly in their lives.  Then they come to God and ask for what they want and expect it to be doled out like He is some kind of giant candy dispenser in the sky.  Then there is, of course, the inevitable disappointment with God if things don't turn out as we had hoped.  Which in reality speaks nothing at all about His faithfulness and everything about our lack of it!

I resolved several months ago to change my prayer life. Basically I decided to get one.  A real prayer life.  One in which I started each and every day with prayer, reading, and quiet time.  Instead of approaching it like some kind of haphazard housekeeping detail that I might or might not be able to squeeze in that day.  It was difficult at first. But as with all habits we try to cultivate, it has grown easier with time.

I think prayer is one of those things people talk a lot about but in reality don't really do.  Because it is difficult.  Sometimes I don't know what to say.  At other times I seem to talk too much.  Sometimes I wonder if He is listening.  At other times I wonder if I am.  What I would really like to learn how to do is to just sit in silence and marvel at His glory.  I'm not there yet.  Silence and stillness.  Both things I value but struggle with....

Praying with others either in a small group or like I did today as a dyad is yet another aspect of prayer that pushes me out of my comfort zone.  But I realize that growth only comes when we take risks and when we learn to confront the things that hold us back.  What I am finding at this point is that the more you do this, the more comfortable it feels.  It's a bit like breaking in a new pair of shoes. At first they hurt your feet, but after while as you walk around in them they begin to feel more natural to your feet.  Praying with others has been a bit like this for me.

In Jude, Ch 1 verse 20 we are extolled to "pray in the Holy Spirit" that we might keep ourselves in God's love.  I think this is what happens when we unite with others whose hearts and spirits we share.  There is a power and strength there that exceeds what we as individuals are capable of.  It is a bit like starting down a winding road hand in hand with someone.  You just aren't sure where it will end up, but you keep to the buddy system and follow The Guide.  Knowing that wherever you end up it will be a place of unsurpassed beauty.

So give it a try.  Sit down and begin a conversation with the Almighty.  Ask a friend to do it with you.  Open your heart and begin to speak.  Or better yet, just sit in silence and wait for Him to speak.  Maybe do some of both.  For if you do, surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.   Shalom!