So, I've been thinking about prayer. I know, it'd be a better use of my time to just actually pray. I try to pray each day, to be intentional about some time to talk to God. That doesn't count the random thoughts that fly through my head that might be remotely considered prayers. I still subscribe to the old formula of addressing God, asking a few things, saying Amen. That's not to say I haven't had some really powerful prayer times that involved me sitting on a mountaintop watching a thunderstorm come in, or sitting on a floor in a dark chapel with music and candles around. There have even been really cool times watching my kids that have been filled with the presence of God- and the thankfulness in my heart has felt an awful lot like prayer and praise.
Still, I think there is something about regular prayer that invites routine and dare I say it, structure. Some of my most satisfying prayer times have involved me writing my prayers, much like a letter to God, and then just sitting there for awhile- listening, stopping, being. I try to follow the A.C.T.S. formula of prayer:
A-Adoration (telling God how good he is-and what cool stuff he makes)
C-Confession (those places we screw up; and asking for forgiveness)
T-Thanksgiving (well, you know, being thankful)
S-Supplication (asking for help, guidance, healing, etc)
followed by quiet, listening time. That's what works for me- when I can find the time to do that!
What works for you? What is your best time of day-place you pray? Tips? Feedback? LL
2 comments:
Hmmm. This blog entry looks strangely familiar. I feel like i JUST read it! Maybe because "All Things Spiritual" comes before "Laura" on my "blogs I read" list????
Great entry, though. I'm trying, too!
So- when I switched my personal blog to New Blogger, it synched up the two accounts. I had meant to post this to Firefuel, when instead it posted here. So, I left it, copied and pasted in the other blog. Its a Twofer special-enjoy.
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