I'm not good at praying...
3 ways to grow.
We sat in a circle with our heads down and our eyes closed. I’d glance up every few seconds to see if anyone else was breaking the “praying rules.” I caught my sister’s side glance and we immediately shot our heads back down as if we had both been caught.
She would later tell me that God doesn’t listen to your prayers if your eyes aren’t closed. Gently rebuked.
I’ve never been “good” at praying.
“Good” is a funny word because, in truth, I don’t think prayer is something I need to be good at. Good, is a word I use when I talk about something I do. I am good at tennis or throwing parties or remembering people’s names. But, I don’t think prayer is measured the same way I keep score on the court.
Prayer is like drinking water or breathing or soaking in the beauty of life—WITH another. Being WITH God who is WITH us is prayer. (John 15)
Here are 3 simple ways I am leaning into a life of prayer:
Honesty.
Sometimes this looks like confession—God, I confess my envy right now. I want a life that isn’t mine.
Sometimes this looks like just saying what is true—God, I feel bored, upset, or bothered with myself and others right now.
Openness.
Sometimes this looks like praying—I open my heart to You God, here.
Borrowed prayers.
Sometimes this looks like listening to Scripture. I love the dwell app. I also love reading the Psalms. I love reading Christ’s words on repeat. I love singing hymns. I am drawn to the prayers of the Saints who have gone before us.
For this reason, I have a secret that has been stirring for a while within me. I’d like to share that I started a new Instagram feed called—@Your.Daily.Liturgy
If you struggle to consistently pray, I’d love to walk with you by offering daily prayers you can borrow. I hope these prayers will be gentle reminders to keep your heart open to God (right where you are). I hope you follow along!
I have come to believe that God hears your prayers when your eyes are closed & wide open. And this is good.
May your soul be blessed.
Me too! Borrowed prayers are so helpful! Keep an eye out for my book this summer. I wrote a liturgy book- one prayer for every feeling. I hope it blesses you!
I have been loving 'borrowed prayers' - both from Scripture and prewritten liturgies too, like Every Moment Holy. :) Thanks for sharing this!