I'm constantly amazed at the comfort I receive from Prayer. It's such a surprise that an activity I initially disregarded as superfluous and shakey has actually proved to be one of the most secure experiences so far. I pray throughout the day, in bursts. It seems to be the case that when I start praying, I don't want to stop. An odd feeling in my stomach that wills me to keep in the company of God.
Phillip Yancey comes to the conclusion in his book "Prayer - Does it make a difference?" That it's not how or when you pray, it's about honesty. I think I'm very fortunate to have entered Christianity with this philosophy already in mind. The book describes many people whose experience with prayer has been negative, largely due to the restrictive stigmas their churches imposed.
Eventually, it seems that people come to accept their own "prayer personality". Understanding that, just as we have individual ways of talking with friends, we have individual ways of speaking with God. I agree especially with one poignant paragraph in the book, which i'll quote here:
"Jesus taught a model prayer, the Lord's Prayer, but otherwise gave few rules. His teaching reduces down to three general principles; Keep it honest, keep it simple, and keep it up. Mainly, Jesus pressed home that we come as beloved children to a Father who loves us in advance and cares deeply about our lives. Ask young parents what is the correct way for their toddlers to approach them and you will probably get a puzzled look. Correct way?"
It seems i'm falling over examples of how bespoke the Christian experience is. I'm beginning to think God wants me to find this straightforward.
Phillip Yancey comes to the conclusion in his book "Prayer - Does it make a difference?" That it's not how or when you pray, it's about honesty. I think I'm very fortunate to have entered Christianity with this philosophy already in mind. The book describes many people whose experience with prayer has been negative, largely due to the restrictive stigmas their churches imposed.
Eventually, it seems that people come to accept their own "prayer personality". Understanding that, just as we have individual ways of talking with friends, we have individual ways of speaking with God. I agree especially with one poignant paragraph in the book, which i'll quote here:
"Jesus taught a model prayer, the Lord's Prayer, but otherwise gave few rules. His teaching reduces down to three general principles; Keep it honest, keep it simple, and keep it up. Mainly, Jesus pressed home that we come as beloved children to a Father who loves us in advance and cares deeply about our lives. Ask young parents what is the correct way for their toddlers to approach them and you will probably get a puzzled look. Correct way?"
It seems i'm falling over examples of how bespoke the Christian experience is. I'm beginning to think God wants me to find this straightforward.
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