Following our fall emphasis of 7 Doors to Spiritual Growth, we open the door on prayer.
Again it is not a mere topic, it is a world; and only 20 minutes is allowed to say something of significance. Thank God for the generosity of Spirit which is given to people who come.
After reading John Kieschnick's chapter, I was actually encouraged by his frustration after reading many books on prayer. He attributes it to his personality of being a person who wants to get things done. He thinks that most books on prayer are written by people with a different personality type; more reflective. His frustration is that he cannot easily relate to their practices. Then I happen to look at Richard Foster's Prayer which begins with "Simple Prayer" which is prayer right where you are. It is "to believe that God can reach us and bless us in the ordinary junctures of daily life." This seems to be in line with Kieschnick's chapter and will probably be the direction I head.
Any thoughts for the pastor on prayer?
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Hi Pastor Keith,
ReplyDeleteI was at Hope Lutheran once or twice over the summer, so I can put a face -- and even a personality -- with your 'blog'.
I'm not a blogger either, but take heart! B/c I've found my way to reading your entries here, you can be sure that others have too -- comments or not!
I am sort of floating between churches, which is completely new for me at age 52. I've always surrounded myself with a church community.
I'm in a Bible study tho -- and, I'm taking a 4-wk class series on prayer.
SO! B/c of my past, this new prayer class, what you said here and what I observed from your animated sermons, right now I can really RELATE to your comments re prayer style!
I am coming to see prayer as the way to an Inner Life, one that does not depend on what I am getting done, or for that matter who is noticing what I am getting done! This Inner Life of prayer doesn't change if I change churches, change denominations, or don't attend at all. (I was raised Lutheran, Missouri Synod at that! But I've been Presbyterian, and Catholic, and observed other faith services incl Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish.)
Once Jesus is in your heart and prayer life, you do not have to fear losing him! You CAN'T! On every faith journey you take, even that of failure, there he is -- blessing you, wooing you, calling you to himself, pointing you to the Father.
It is prayer -- i.e. time spent alone with God, listening -- that centers you. Not what you do, how well you do it, or where or with whom you do it. And from that centered place, of truly knowing God's mercy, grace and love for you, you are ready to listen, work with, and love others.
Just a few thoughts from a stranger!
As my college roommate used to say (1979) "God bless you my child, for thou hast sneezed!"
A friend
I hope this " friend " will come back to Hope. I would love to put a face to the wise words. My biggest struggle is to listen well, I get impatient if I don't hear right away and want to move on. Maybe because I tend to be task-oriented at times. Prayer is key to growing our faith and I'm excited to see Hope become more of a praying church. Lead on Pastor !
ReplyDeleteVicky