We sometimes make too big a deal about prayer. We think we have to have complete silence and bow our heads and formulate just the right words in our minds before we begin. Sometimes we think really important prayers require “professional” prayers. We need to “go upfront” in church to be prayed for on Sunday Mornings or go to a “healing” service. As kids, perhaps we were taught great form prayers or to repeat prayers over and over. Maybe we learned that it’s helpful to go to intermediaries rather than straight to God. While it certainly is a good thing to pray in public and to use great examples, like the Lord’s prayer, and to have others pray for us, a real prayer life is much simpler.
Brother Lawrence felt it was a great delusion to think that the times of prayer ought to differ from other times. He knew prayer was simple communication with the Father. Often words are not even necessary. I love to watch older couples together. I mean couples who have been together and loved together for years. There often isn’t a lot of talking, but each seems to know what the other is thinking. That’s how we should be with our Father, like we are with a life long companion. Prayer is really just being with God. Doing more listening than talking. Enjoying the presence more than any words.
Pray without ceasing.
Nick
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