| Like the spiritual life itself, prayer is initiated by God. No matter what we think about the origin of our prayers, they are all a response to the hidden workings of the spirit within. — Marjorie Thompson (Soul Feast)
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Prayer is "responding to God, by thought and by deeds, with our without words" (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 856). Notice how this definition emphasizes the act of listening. Before we can respond, we must first listen to what God is saying, through our experiences, our thoughts, and feelings. How is God calling us to respond to the world? Sometimes it is through intercession. Sometimes praise and adoration. Sometimes petition. Prayer can be with our without words. It can be actions such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and serving the poor.
You must find your own way of listening to God and responding. It may be through centering prayer, drawing, singing, walking, or beading. All these ways turn down the noise of the world and help us attend to God's voice. Below is an online finger labyrinth to try. Click on the image to launch the labyrinth. Before beginning to walk the labyrinth, enlarge the window to fit your screen You have the option of adding music. Enter the labyrinth with a question, a phrase of thanksgiving, or a petition.
When you are done consider the questions below.
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Questions for reflection and conversation:
1. What was the thought or question with which you entered the labyrinth? Did it change along the path?
2. What was your attitude as you entered? As you moved out?
3. Were you surprised by your experience? If so, how?
4. How does this experience inform your practice of prayer?
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you to post your responses on the "Conversations" page.
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YFYL Chapter 8, Additional questions for reflection or discussion:
1. What forms of prayer do you find most helpful? What forms are most difficult? Why do you think this is so?
2. What image of God do you have when you pray? How does this help or hinder your prayer?
3. The Apostle Paul lists the fruit of leading a spiritual life in Galatians 5:22-23. What are they? What fruit have you experienced in your prayer life?
4. How do you define prayer?
5. At what times in your life have you found it easiest to pray? Most difficult? What do you need to sustain a life of prayer?
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Additional resources online
"Balancing Life by the Rule" by Debra Farrington (Spirituality and Health, Winter 2001) is a helpful beginning to learning how to live by a rule of life.
Anglican prayers beads are one way to engage one's body in the act of prayer. They are comprised of seven sets of four beads joined together with a single bead in between each group. One enters the circle of beads with a cross and invitatory bead. This website details how to use Anglican prayer beads. Provided by King of Peace.
Centering prayer is a practice of quieting one's mind and body to create space for the Holy Spirit within. This website is one way to begin a practice of centering prayer.
Pray-as-you-go provides daily readings, song and mediation for your iPod or mp3 player. Great for listening to while commuting, taking a walk, or exercising. Provided by Jesuit Media Initiatives.
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Additional resources in print
Bead One, Pray Too by Kimberly Winston. A beautifully illustrated and written book of tips for making and praying with prayer beads.
Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson. Explores a variety of spiritual disciplines and how to nurture their practice.
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