In this week’s edition of our weekly Wednesday newsletter, Scott suggests a practice for prayer: “Perhaps you might find a collect or two from our prayer book and memorize them. Then when your heart demands it, you will have the words at hand.”
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Dear friends in Christ,
There are as many ways to pray as there are people on earth. I don’t really think there is a right or a wrong method of prayer, though some may be more suitable for us at particular times.
Impromptu prayer leaves room for us to say to God what is on our heart at that instant. Contemplative prayer opens us to hear God’s still, small voice. Walking prayer helps us use our whole bodies in prayer. And of course, we Anglicans know a thing or two about common prayers. Our tradition is rooted in the idea that prayer forms us, and one of the ways we are formed us a community is that we all say the same prayers.
Most of the time, I prefer to say these prayers – ancient and modern litanies, collects, and other prayers – because they give me the words to say so that I can focus on my intention and on God’s response. Take, for example, this gem from the back of our prayer book:
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The elegance of expression is a gift, is it not? However you pray, treasure the gift of prayer. Perhaps you might find a collect or two from our prayer book and memorize them. Then when your heart demands it, you will have the words at hand. This certainly isn’t the only way to pray, but I find there is a priceless gift in filling our minds with lovely prayers.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
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