I asked myself a question today… when did prayer become a thing that I used? By used I mean when it went from a conversation with God to a thing that I had to have a reason to talk to Him about. I talk to my friends for no real reason, pretty much just because I like them.
As I look back I realize there must be a moment that prayer became a thing I studied and had to learn about instead of something I do for no real reason other than I want to.
There are a ton of books to help me “how” to pray and just a many to tell me why my prayers are not answered. Most often I agree with the points made by the authors and I enjoy hearing about successful prayers in the stories they tell. I even get choked up when I read them.
I don’t want to make a declaration because I have made so many of those that I have realized they are only something to make me feel good for a moment. So instead of a declaration I am just going to start praying again in a way that says to my God… I like you.
I love God but I also want to like Him.
oh man, do I have something to say about people who study prayer, and label them successful or unsuccessful. Is there such a thing as a successful conversation? Only if you are going into that conversation to achieve an outcome. In that case, from the get-go, it is TRANSACTIONAL! (The opposite of relational)
I think that this misuse of the concept of prayer comes from our desire to delineate a system by which we can figure out how to get what we want/need from God. This, to me, is the OPPOSITE of relationship right? Isn’t relationship what we are to pursue? Just like you said, you talk to someone just because you like them. Aren’t there times when you call someone up just because you need to ask them for something? Sure, and there is a whole complicated and often unspoken set of rules about how to ask for something and not seem…well, like a user. The funny thing is, you don’t have to worry about asking your best friend for a favor because? They KNOW that you love them and want to help you because they love you…right?
But I digress…ooops I’ve done two really long responses.
In short: we can’t control God, and make our prayers more “successful” by deciphering a pattern and manipulating that pattern. My energies are better spent getting to know the one to whom I bring my requests.
OK I am stopping now.
Wait, one more thing, Its cool that you are pondering the same issues that I have been throwing around my head. Yay team!
I enjoyed your response. As for pondering the same issues I do find that interesting. We have a bit of a morbid connection in our past lives.
I have cycled through these thoughts on prayers multiple times and each time it is a little clearer. I think our desire to know the why of our past keeps us seeking knowledge in the future.
If only to be the last stopping place of an abusive cycle.
I am the last victim in this cycle perpetrated by my parents. My family will not know this sin.
What great thoughts. But should prayer feature in the day today. Everyday the day today?
Stu I may be a little slow but I don’t understand your question…:-) Can you rephrase for me.