What Does Prayer Mean to Me?
Why is that simple question so complex and difficult to answer? Webster says that prayer is a humble entreaty made to God. The Thesaurus says synonyms for prayers are petition, solicitation, request, appeal, plea, implore. Wikipedia says the word prayer comes from the Latin word “precari,” which means to ask earnestly or to beg. The Apostle Paul modeled the importance of a deliberate and consistent commitment to go to God in prayer and that prayer must involve both the “spirit and the mind.” (1 Cor: 14) Jesus taught us to pray “The Lord’s Prayer.”
There is no simple answer to understanding prayer. Prayer is more about a journey with God, rather than a simple definition or action. This quote from Thomas Carlyle expresses its complexity: “Prayer is and remains always a native and deepest impulse of the soul of man.”
Prayer for me is about opening up myself to listen to God. Yes, I am good at talking and asking and imploring, but only if I am quiet and open to listening can I know what my Heavenly Father expects from me. I must get out of His way and let Him communicate to me. I especially realized this truth a number of years ago when I was facing a very difficult situation. I was in church and praying hard just prior to Communion. I literally felt that I was in a deep pit and my anxiety was pushing me down, down, down. Then all of sudden, I literally felt that I was being pulled up, up, up by God’s Strength and Love and Grace. And I knew if I did what God expected of me that it would be ok. I realized then that prayer is about God’s Will. And the reason for seeking God’s will is that our Father knows what is best for us.
Sylvia Wadsworth
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