The Prayer Course 2
As we continue in ordinary time, we are looking at how to connect with God during this season. In the Prayer Course Session 2, Pete Grieg talks about starting prayer with adoration. Instead of only looking at and obsessing about the intricacies of our own lives, similar to viewing life through a microscope, we can have another perspective. Looking up at the stars through a telescope reveals the larger perspective of the universe and the glory of God. In prayer we can swap the microscope for the telescope. The exclamation of God’s creation and God’s glory moves us to worship.
Prayer is essentially about communication and relationship. In relationships the primary aim is to get close to the other. As we pray we draw closer to God and experience just being with him. If we thought of prayer in light of the Five Love Languages, prayer would encompass at least “quality time” and “words of affirmation.” When we pray we can not only experience God’s love, we grow in our love towards him.
Practically, what are some key “how-to”s in praying? Pete gives a great acronym to help us remember: P R A Y.
P - Pause. In stillness an awareness of God’s presence increases.
R - Rejoice. The Psalms are Jesus’ prayerbook; we can read them aloud for a start in rejoicing.
A - Ask. Let God know your questions.
Y - Yield or Yes. Spend time listening and surrendering to God.