Learning to Pray Reflections on Prayer I believe

Learning to Pray

Reflections on Prayer § “I believe that prayer is not an escape from the world, but rather calls us more fully into the world. ” § As we deepen our personal relationship with God we strengthen our relationship with all of God’s creation. Our prayer doesn’t isolate us, rather, it connects us to sisters and brothers around the world. . ” § “As we grow in intimacy with God, we see others and the world as God would see them – with love, mercy, and compassion. ” (Vennard, 49)

Prayer and Action § “Grounded in God we may feel the pain of the earth and become active in eco-justice or simply find a way to conserve water or cleanse our air § When we see what is happening to innocent victims of war, we weep at the destruction of lives and hopes, knowing God weeps with us. § Often our weeping moves us to take action – sending money or supplies, attending a peace vigil, or discovering a way to locally act for peace. ” (Vennard, 49)

Prayer and Action § “Similarly, when we act for justice and peace in the world, we realize that our actions must be grounded in God. Without that anchor, we are in danger of thinking that the work all depends on us or that our ends may justify any means. Without prayer support, we are likely to get discouraged and hopeless and turn our backs on a hurting world. ” (Vennard, 50) Think of someone you know who is a faithful prayer. What are some of their characteristics?

A God Who Listens § “I believe God hears our prayers. Trusting that God hears our prayers keeps me faithful in prayer. When I experience no answer, I can still keep praying, because I know that God is listening. ” § It is puzzling to understand how and when God answers prayer. Why does God answer some and not others? (Vennard, 50) § If God is listening then God weeps with us, consoles, us and rages with us. God’s hearing means God is with us, even if we do not receive the answer we would like. (Vennard, 53)

The Mystery of Prayer § “Prayer is a mystery. Prayer often surprises us. Just as we think we have it figured out, something new and different emerges. ” § There is always more to know and experience about God and about one another. If I had figured it out I would have ended my ministry and moved on to other things. ” (Vennard, 53) So what do we believe about answered and unanswered prayer?

Questions for Today: § Remember a time when you believe God answered your prayers • Was the answer immediate or one you recognized later? • Would you say God intervened or that God participated in your life? § Remember a time when your prayers were not answered, some time when you desperately wanted God to intervene and God did not. • How long did you continue to pray for help or for answers? • How do you feel about the unanswered prayers? • What do you think about God? • How do you feel about God?

Group Reflections: § What did you notice and how did you feel speaking and listening § What did you hear that keeps one praying when your prayers are unanswered § How can reflecting on these moments help shape your understanding of God in your life?

Weekly Prayer Activity What are you grateful for? What are you least grateful for? God we are grateful and we pray for your presence and guidance in the places we are least grateful.

Next Week: Be prepared to get wet!