This month Shane has declared a prayer focus for Whats on Your Mind '09?, and I am only too happy to go along with it!
Last week I asked what was on your mind in regards to prayer, and it was Patricia's comment that inspired my post for this week. Patricia said that rather than much time of "formal prayer," she often finds herself talking to God throughout her day - as she's doing various daily activities. And I thought, Yeah! That's me, too!
I do have time when I sit down on the couch and read my Bible, and close my eyes and pray "formally." I love writing out my prayers in my journal. And sometimes God moves in me to get right down on my knees with my face to the ground to pray. But most of the time when I'm praying my eyes are wide open, my hands are not folded, and my head is not bowed. So NOT what I was taught in Sunday school as a child!
No, most of the time when I am praying I am also doing every day, ordinary activities.
*I am walking to or from school.
*I am standing in line at the grocery store.
*I am helping my son with homework. Oh, boy, is THAT ever a time for prayer!!!
*I am making dinner.
*I am driving to a speaking engagement.
*I am chatting with someone on FaceBook.
*I am preparing a blog post.
The thing is, I have come to understand that God is involved in every moment of every day of my life. There is never a time when He is not with me, so there is never a time I cannot speak with Him. And He listens to me and loves me whether I am actively doing something else, or not.
Yeah, that thing Paul said about praying continually? (1 Thessalonians 5:17) I'm learning what it means, and I love doing it!
How about you? How do you pray?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
What's on Your Mind '09 - Prayer
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12 comments:
Ever read the book Practicing the Presence of God? I might have that title mixed up. Your post reminds me of it. I think it is so important to be aware of Him always...and then your life becomes a prayer continually. That is how we pray without ceasing. I would so miss that awareness of His presence...and I too pray like you do-off and on all day. Thank you here. A plea for strength there. A quick apology here...and my formal time of writing in my journal. Blessings sweet sister!
Majority of the time I have a hard time praying and most of them end up like this, "Lord, please, umm, well I don't know, but Lord please, okay, Father I have no idea how to pray about this or what I should pray for in this situation..." then I just go into saying thanks for whatever comes up.
smooches,
Larie
In the first Bible study I ever did we read the book Enjoying the Presence of God. It ignited my faith and opened my eyes to a God who is with us always. Who is eager to meet with us, walk with us, clean, taxi kids, cook and work with us. No matter where we are, there He is also.
I still struggle with setting aside time for deep meaningful prayer time, but I try to take God with me wherever I go.
Prayer has been in my heart reminding me of that continually pray. I have been so convicted of this lately and you post is helpful. I don't have to be formal about it, it can be in my daily activity and should be in this moments. Thank you again for a number one post!
I would like to thank you for stopping by, but most importantly I am so very thankful that I found your blog. Your lovely words and thoughts are just what I need to start my day with.
Reading your post, I was struck by the thought that the praying that I do as I live my life is more like speaking to God as my best friend. Formal prayers are prayed more in the tone of seeing Him as Magestic God, King of the Universe ... I guess I need to do both kind of prayers because He is both those things: my best friend, and King of the Universe!
When I am constantly praying I feel calm and like I can do anything... when I get caught up in the moments of life and chaos I feel disconnected and like I am going to loose my mind.
I tend to pray at night once I get in bed. Old habits are hard to break - I need to get better about praying anytime, everywhere!
I am just about always in prayer... for most details... for evry big thing... its just constant!!
And I love how He is always listending... no matter what I am rambling on about!
Blessings!
Amanda
Henri Nouwen suggests that prayer is the basic receptive attitude out of which all of life can receive new vitality- a living connection to God.
I've been reading Reaching Out and The Way of the Heart, by Nouwen.
Thanks for playing along. It's great to read everyone's comments. I wonder if the "presence" book people are discussing is the Brother Lawerence book???
I am so blessed by this post today!
Hugs, my friend!
Patricia nyc
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