I Always Struggled with Prayer...

May 30, 2025

Does prayer matter?

Is it effective?

What happens in prayer?

Lest I be hasty and trite – I proceed with thoughtfulness and real consideration.  Honestly, I have always struggled with prayer.  What it looks like, sounds like, how often, in what ways, for who, for what?  I have met many pray-ers who pray for lists of names of folks.  I tried that to no avail… Like the rest of my life – my prayer ideas are shaped by my own experiences and inner voices which arise to “protect” me and my ego, an ego that has helped me survive life’s blows.  My prayers are also shaped by my own unique design, and for prayers to make sense to me – there must be some connection with how I navigate the world.

When I have a feeling – when my intuition and empathetic being is stirred, prayers arise as my own thoughts, journal writing, readings, song, and conversations related to this stirring, drawing out its actions and directions – connecting the dots.  Asking for prayers from others is asking for support to continue seeking direction and clarity - Discernment on my life journey.

At times like these when the questions run wild and the second-guessing accuser takes the front seat, the steadfastness of a friend in prayer keeps my foot from hitting the gas pedal too hard or slamming on the brakes, my neck thrown back unnaturally.  I stay the speed limit, paying attention to the signs, inviting others beside me.  I listen to my inner child – the soul’s shy self, my compassionate, courageous heart – my companion. 

Prayer is an invitation to the universe to participate in loving and bringing folks together, to receive help and friends, to be a blessing, to be given tools for living, and for going into the heart of the matter.  The heart of the matter with its fears, joys, loneliness, hopes, dreams, and God’s design for healing love through our grief. 

PRAYER -

Buoys us

Strengthens us

Rallies us through

Bravens us

Draws us together

Sees us fully and loves all the same

Extends beyond us

Encircles us

Creates in and through us

Reminds us we are beloved

Reminds us we are not alone

It hopes us!