Developing a lifestyle of prayer…

“Prayer allows us to look through the right “looking glass” and see things more as they actually are. For this reason alone, prayer is one of the most important orientations and practices in our days. In times of blurred vision, we need the right lens. It comes in prayer. Prayer clears off confusion.” That alone would make it one of the most important spiritual practices.”

Prayer still feels like the most important practice to becoming fully human! It opens us to that Divine intersection which transforms us and those around us.
Reading lots on prayer these days. And trying to stay in a playful and prayful orientation. Feels like the most needed inner orientation and constant practice in our times.

Yesterday read a great section from Dallas Willard on integrating the physical body in prayer, as part of what we bring into that position towards Presence. “My soul follows hard after you.” King David said. Prayer transforms us, and puts us in a position to be useful instruments of Grace to others. It was Jesus’ primary practice of often turning towards. Prayer teaches us to govern the soul from our hearts! “Be still, my soul,” David prayed over himself!

To change the outer, we come in prayer to transform and then act from the inner. Jesus prays before temptation, before his own death, and even on the cross we overhear him praying—having that heart to heart with His Father. Authentically talking to His Father. Again, in Jn 17 we overhear Him talking to God about his disciples. Great passage about their unity in love. One of my very favorites!

Anyways, in the light of our times, prayer seems like the most obvious first response. To turn towards often. Pray is that constant authentic talk we have with God which positions us for His Presence to enter and guide and form us. In a world of constant turbulence, it also feels like the best way to stay in Love.

Enjoying studying prayer, as i pray. Prayer is practical, it’s not esoteric, it places us in the right position for our greatest good to occur in us and out towards others!

The priest Henri Nouwen, used to pause in the middle of conversations or meals with people, to make sure he was praying. I like that.

To invite in The Actual Presence is essential for depth of conversation, or even interpreting the latest news. Another practical fruit of prayer—come let us reason together, we gain a larger and more accurate interpretation of events from that prayer space. Puts us in the Peace of His Own Being. Prayer still matters, it’s not just religious!

Prayer is our constant inner orientation from our deeper self towards God. It is a “practice” which turns into a lifestyle.