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. You don't have to be on bended knee to pray.  You don't have to speak outloud to pray.  When you pray, do it YOUR way.

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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