The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.
-Soren Kierkegaard
The purpose of prayer is to be in union with God. This relationship uses many forms of prayer. We may use words to talk to God. Such discursive prayer may include intercessory prayer, a confession, specific requests for guidance, ritualistic prayer or praise. We will use various words, concepts and expressions of emotion as we reach out to God. We may also choose to just be with God, to rest in God living in a space of no words, listening or resting in God. This “prayer of silence” or resting in God may include various forms of meditative or contemplative prayer. Contemplative prayer is usually a prayer of silence, solitude and surrender, or ”letting go”. Every kind of prayer is a spiritual practice which accesses the inner life, listens to God and informs our action and service. The relationship of Jesus to his Father God depended on knowing he was both human and divine, and his journey included regular prayer of various forms. The scriptures suggested for your contemplation this week reveal his spiritual practices, his commitment to prayer, and his instructions to us as his followers.
Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.
Mother Teresa
5 And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
and Luke 5:16.
But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage stand out for you?
Why is “silence and solitude” important in prayer?
What is described as “not important” in these verses?
Do you have a special place of silence where you retreat?
Prayer
I have no words O God. Listen to my heart.
43 You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven: for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage stand out for you?
Who are your enemies?
Why is it hard to pray for your enemy?
How could you let go of fear, change your mind, and love your enemy?
Prayer
God hear my prayer for those I fear and for those I do not understand.
36 “ Abba, Father, for you all things are possible, remove this cup from me; yet not what I want , but what you want.”
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage stand out for you?
Where are you having difficulty surrendering on your journey?
What thoughts might get in the way of “surrender”?
How might returning to a sacred word or your breath in silence, serve your connections and surrender to Spirit?
Prayer
God I give myself to you.
28 Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage stand out for you?
How does prayer change your experience of stress and anxiety?
How might you “rest in God”?
What is distracting you from experiencing the presence of God?
Prayer
God help me to find my rest in you.
22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, Let us also be guided by the Spirit.
FOR FIVE MINUTES BE STILL. BREATHE. READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN.
What words in this passage stand out for you?
What do you hear in this passage?
How are spiritual disciplines connected to the Holy Spirit?
What Fruit of the Spirit do you want to cultivate?
Prayer
God guide my steps and bear fruit in me.