Help for our prayers

There are times when we feel as if our prayers are bouncing off the ceilings. We pray our long prayers and once we have finished our 'list' we rush off to something else that is calling our attention. If we are completely honest our prayers seem to have little impact and this can breed frustration in our spiritual lives. However, there is hope...

I have found a helpful prayer practise that I want to share with you. It is not new at all - in fact, it has been practised for thousands of years, but I have found it meaningful. This is how it works.

1. Find yourself a place that will be free of distractions (even if it is only for 5 minutes).
2. Breathe in and out a few times until you sense your spirit calming down.
3. Choose a single word to pray. This word will be your focal point for these moments. Allow the meaning of this word to pervade your mind and heart. I have found that the best words for me are actually the names of God, or the characteristics of Jesus. See below for a few examples.
4. Soak in the Peace of God and then finish your devotion or begin your other tasks.

It may seem very simple, but it has worked for many people. Please try it and let me know what you experience. There is no "one-size" fits all formula for spiritual practises, but it is always helpful to be creative in these sacred times.

Exodus 3:14 -  "God said to Moses, “I am who I am."

Try some of these names of God as a starting point:

"Alpha and Omega" - Beginning and End
"Adonai" - "Lord and Master
"Shalom" - Peace
"El Shaddai" - God of Mountains
"Yahweh Jireh" - The Lord provides
"Lamb of God" - focuses on Christ's sacrifice for us and his perfection
"Emmanuel" - God with us

Living in Grace
D3LM3