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Pray with Us

An important part of living in faith is prayer. At heart, prayer is a conversation with God. Honest conversations with God serve as a way to bring to the surface the deepest longings of our hearts. If we welcome imagination into our prayers and we truly listen for Gods leading in response, our spiritual experiences grow richer, deeper and more personal.

Prayer is sometimes described as part of a spiritual discipline and we recognize that there are many ways to pray. Regardless of how we pray, we are called to ask for God’s help and blessing each day of our lives. A danger is that we come to think of prayer as one more thing we have to get done, an additional item for our already crowded "to-do list." If we are not careful, prayer may begin to feel like a chore. So we need reminding that there are many ways to pray, some familiar and some not so familiar, that should be customized to each individual's way of life.

Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk, has written these words about prayer: "By listening deeply to the message of any given moment, I shall be able to tap the very Source of Meaning and to realize the unfolding meaning of my life." If we think of listening as a special form of prayer, it can transform our approach to this important aspect of the spiritual life. Listening prayer is an attitude of the heart that we can take with us into the world of everyday experience. It is an attitude of openness, of readiness to receive. On city streets, in coffee shops, in waiting rooms of dentists and doctors, in airline terminals and any other commonplace environment we may, by listening deeply, hear the voice of God. It is praying by paying attention to the world around us.

Traditional forms of prayer, whether corporate or personal, are a treasure we cannot do without.

If you are seeking more ways to pray, we invite you to continue to learn at MethodX, The Life, Sponsored by Upper Room Ministries. 

An Example of Prayer

 

As you read the following Scripture and prayer, please be reminded of God’s presence in your own busy lives and in the lives of your family. Let the words provided below be the beginning of your conversations with God throughout the coming week.

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – the Lord, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.” Psalm 146:5-10  

Maker of Heaven and Earth,

You are my hope and my help and I am reminded that you are the hope and the help of everyone. Just as you provide for me, you defend the defenseless and provide for the needy. You do not separate the social and spiritual needs of people – I am no more worthy of your loving care than my next door neighbor. 

Lord, let me be your instrument to help here on earth. As I take the hands of family and friends in my left hand, let me extend my right hand to my unknown neighbor in need. Make us aware of those who don’t have enough to eat, who are sick, who are lonely. Open our hearts to welcome the poor and oppressed.

I admit that sometimes I am afraid to open my door to strangers, let alone to venture into a neighborhood that is gritty and unfamiliar. I also worry that if I give away what I have, I will not have enough for my family and myself. Holy God, remove the barriers that keep me from extending my care, whether they are fear, society or actual physical obstacles. Please help me remain ever mindful that you will watch over me as you reign over all the earth. Amen.

Susan Naslund

 

The Lord's Prayer 

At times, prayer can be a challenge. We may feel compelled to pray, but may not know how to. What words should we use? What should we pray for? Will my prayer be worthy of God? In times like these, we turn to scripture. In the Gospel of Luke we read this lesson:

“One of the disciples said to Jesus, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’ Jesus said to them, 'When you pray, say:  Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by your name.  Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” Paraphrase from Luke 11:1-4.  

Dear God, as we pray these words may we listen for your voice and for your will in our lives. Strengthen our faith to truly believe that your kingdom will come and be experienced here in this world. Soften our hearts so we might forgive those who have wronged us, and may we take time to evaluate our own deeds and ask forgiveness in places where we have wronged others.   

Lord, you have given us all we need, and there is an abundance to share. Lead us to use our resources wisely, sharing what we have with others so that others may have an experience of God themselves. You are the power and the glory of our lives. May we seek that glory each and every day. Amen.