A Short Course on Prayer

 We are going to spend more time on prayer than on anything else, because prayer is the primary problem in our faith lives.  The prayer form we enjoy the most is related to our personality. That is why different people pray differently, because we are all different.  Sometimes we only pray the way we were taught, which may or may not be the best for us!

 The goal of all prayer is to become silent before God.  The need for silence is to allow us to listen to God.  Only when we listen to God is our life changed, our love deepened, our confidence strengthened, our hope renewed!

 Each of our basic ways to pray are is trying to answer a primary question which comes from our personality.  Silent Prayer focuses on the question, “Am I happy?”  Expressive Prayer looks at “What do you think of me?”  Visual Prayer wonders “Does this make sense?”

 Silent Prayer is for those who can move easily into silence before God.  At the time of prayer, Silent Prayer can simply wait for God to speak.  Sometimes, the mind is a little too busy, so a short repetitive prayer can bring the mind back to silence. Anything can be used as a short repetitive prayer, a phrase from scripture or hymn or well known prayer.  Silent prayer is good for those concerned about happiness, focusing on Jesus who makes us happy.

 Thank God for the gift of Holy Scripture and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Read a short Bible text for the day. What is God saying to you?  If needed, take a phrase from that text and repeat it over and over until you become silent before God.  Wait for God to speak in His still, small voice.  Love God well!

 Those who pray best expressively need to get their prayers outside of themselves.  Singing, dancing, writing, drawing or any other way can help move that prayer outside of the self.  If you are worried about being acceptable, moving the prayer outside finds that Jesus is acceptable! When we belong to Jesus, we too are acceptable.

 Thank God for the gift of Holy Scripture and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Read a short Bible text for the day.  What is God trying to tell you?  Think of a way to express something, a thought, a phrase

 Visual Prayer is for those who cannot come to silence because the mind is so busy! Opening our eyes can focus the mind, leading to quiet.  Always trying to understand life, Visual Prayer moves us beyond our minds outward to life itself.  Commonly used focus aids include icons, stained glass windows, candles, sunsets…

 Thank God for the gift of Holy Scripture and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Read a short Bible text for the day.  What is God trying to say to you?  As you meditate on that question, focus on something.

 Meet in a weekly Prayer and Bible Study group. When you can, join with another Prayer and Bible Study group.  When in a group, give time and space for everyone to pray.  Group prayer often focuses on prayers for healing of body and relationship, which is fine. But prayer considers many other aspects of our faith as well, such as missions, stewardship, conversion, faithfulness, hope, gentleness, compassion, joy…

 Thank God for the gift of Holy Scripture and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Read a short Bible text for the day. You can follow any of a number of daily lectionaries. Or focus on next Sunday’s lessons.  What is God trying to say to you?  You can either begin with your leader and go to the person on your right, or…  You can just leave time and space and let everyone pray as they will.

 Are you willing to work with others, letting the Holy Spirit lead all of you closer to Jesus, more deeply in faith and love with Christ and Church?  Will you give this a priority in your life?  Will you pray for everyone else, especially for those wanting to be disciples of Jesus?