Hi Ladies,
The topic, import and method of prayer was up for discussion at our last "Mom's Group" meeting. My reading for the week happened to be The Living Reminder by Henri Nouwen (a great quick read!!) and he had a lot of great wisdom including some profound thoughts on prayer. I'll include one portion of his thoughts on prayer and spirituality here. I'd love to hear any thoughts you might have on this quotation or on anything related to prayer that you've learned lately (you can comment below or email us). I love how Nouwen takes the idea of prayer (and the injunction to pray without ceasing) and frames it in terms of a holistic view of spirituality where prayer is a part of being rather than a thing (routine or not) that you "do".
Blessings, Christy
The topic, import and method of prayer was up for discussion at our last "Mom's Group" meeting. My reading for the week happened to be The Living Reminder by Henri Nouwen (a great quick read!!) and he had a lot of great wisdom including some profound thoughts on prayer. I'll include one portion of his thoughts on prayer and spirituality here. I'd love to hear any thoughts you might have on this quotation or on anything related to prayer that you've learned lately (you can comment below or email us). I love how Nouwen takes the idea of prayer (and the injunction to pray without ceasing) and frames it in terms of a holistic view of spirituality where prayer is a part of being rather than a thing (routine or not) that you "do".
Blessings, Christy
“Before any professional skill, we need a spirituality, a way of living in the spirit by which all we are and all we do becomes a form of reminding. One way to express this is to say that in order to be a living reminder of the Lord; we must walk in his presence as Abraham did. To walk in the presence of the Lord means to move forward in life in such a way that all our desires, thoughts, and actions are constantly guided by him. When we walk in the Lord’s presence, everything we see, hear, touch, or taste reminds us of him. This is what is meant by a prayerful life. It is not a life in which we say many prayers, but a life in which nothing, absolutely nothing, is done, said, or understood independently of him who is the origin and purpose of our existence.” P. 28
1 comment:
I think that his description is perfectly accurate. I would also call that walking in the Spirit. When we are walking with God the whole day is a prayer, a constant conversation. It's not a formal thing where you get on your knees and say "dear heavenly Father..." it's walking and talking with the Lord all day everyday. He wants to be involved with the smallest decisions, from your plans for the day to if you should check your baby's diaper. Until I had this type of relationship with the Lord, all I was really doing was making requests.
Mary
Post a Comment