Prayer ISN'T...
The other day I wrote a post about what I (non-theological) felt
prayer is. I guess I feel pretty passionate about the subject (which
surprises me) because it's still in the forefront of my mind. And while I
don't like to be negative (and I'm hoping this post WON'T be, but by just
saying that I've put a negative in there), I'm thinking about what prayer
isn't...at least according to the gospel of Bfth (the unordained
non-theologian.)
Prayer is NOT a publicity
stunt. That is not to say that prayer should not or cannot be done
publicly or with a group of people (large or small). But praying is not a
way to show the world how "religious" or "good" you
are. It's not a show. It's not a test that you get graded on.
As I pointed out yesterday: "And when you pray, do
not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the
synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others." (Not my words; they come from Matthew.) When
groups of people pray together the intent SHOULD BE holy, NOT showy. As I
see it, one of the problems with public prayer is that it seems (and in many
cases may well be) to be done for show. That is not what the intention of
prayer SHOULD be.
Prayer is NOT public. Again that is not to say it
should be done in public, but prayer should be intensely personal. It is
a conversation between you and God, the Universe, etc. You don't pray
because John Doe says you should. You don't pray because Jane Smith is
praying. You pray because you NEED to. You pray because there is
something inside of you that needs to be shared.
Prayer is NOT a wish list. Praying does not bring new
cars or a pony for your birthday. (Sorry!) Prayer CAN act as a self-motivator.
So while prayer won't put a new car in your driveway, it can help you help
yourself to save for/work toward purchasing one.
Prayer is NOT rote. It's not something to be done
thoughtlessly. It is not something you go through the motions for; it needs to
have meaning. People pray at different times and in different ways. That's the way it needs to be as we are all unique individuals with our own
distinct way of connecting through prayer.
Prayer is NOT something that is done once and tossed away.
Prayer can be simple, it does not have to be complex. But prayer is NOT
easy. Prayer is a commitment. A commitment to yourself and the
one/the thing you are praying for. It takes work. It means
giving of yourself. Which leads me to...
Prayer is NOT passive. Prayer requires action.
Prayer is NOT the end...it is the beginning. It is an opportunity to
start new and wonderful things.
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