How to Pray

Summary

The text discusses the transformation of the author's prayer life from a fear-based, formulaic approach to one of peace and understanding that prayer is an ongoing state of being connected to God.

Abstract

The author initially approached prayer with a sense of trepidation, concerned with saying the right words, including all necessary intentions, and adhering to a strict format. This led to a prayer life filled with anxiety and a compulsive need for perfection. However, after ceasing this rigid practice due to the overwhelming pressure, the author experienced a profound realization during a period of silence: prayer is not about performance but about peace and the assurance that God is in control. The author describes a divine encounter where God communicated that prayer is continuous, encompassing all actions, thoughts, and words, and that nothing can sever the bond of love between the Creator and the individual. This revelation shifted the author's perspective to view life itself as an unceasing prayer, fostering a more relaxed and trusting relationship with the Divine.

Opinions

The author initially believed that prayer required specific words and perfect execution to be effective.
There was a fear of omitting someone or something in prayer, leading to a checklist approach.
The author felt guilty when unable to maintain a constant stream of prayer, worrying that silence might lead to misfortune.
The transformation occurred when the author stopped trying to control the prayer process and instead embraced silence, allowing God to communicate.
The author's concept of prayer evolved to include every aspect of life, not just spoken words.
The author emphasizes that God's love is unconditional and ever-present, unaffected by human rituals or perceived perfection in prayer.
The author suggests that a simple expression of gratitude is sufficient in prayer, as God has already secured salvation and completion through Jesus Christ.

When God told me

image by author

I used to pray by saying the words I thought were right - the words I thought He wanted to hear.

But there was always this element of fear because I wanted to do it just right not wrong but right so right.

I didn’t want to forget anyone or leave anyone out - include all the poor and the sick and the sad and the hurting my family my friends the children the animals. What else? Who else?

Did I say that wrong? Did I cancel that out?

What if I fall asleep while I’m in the middle? Is it null and void?

If I don’t say, “In Jesus’ Name,” is it not heard? Does He not care?

“Pray unceasingly.”

I always had a dialogue going in the back of my head. But it wasn’t a relaxed casual conversation. It was repetitive nervous trying to be perfect OCD words just rattling off and well I guess less of a dialogue and more of me just nervously chattering. And what if I stopped?

Oh God Dear God! I’m sorry if I stopped! Please don’t let anything bad happen to my family my friends the children the animals Who else? What else? OH MY GOD!

So I quit.

I quit. And I felt guilty. But I needed peace. And then something happened. In my silence He spoke to me. He told me that Prayer is Peace. It is resting in the knowledge that He’s got it.

And in my mind’s eye I saw Him. He looked at me and He gave me a wink and He said, “You know me and I know you. So chill Child. Chill and be still Child.

This isn’t a pass or fail. And you don’t need to save the world. I did that and IT IS FINISHED. A simple, ‘Thank you,’ will do fine.

In Me you live and move and have your being. Your life is a prayer an unceasing prayer.

Everything you do think and say is your unceasing prayer. And nothing you do think or say can separate you from My LOVE.

Because that’s what you are. You are My LOVE.”

image by author