Session Two – Building an Intentional Prayer Life
Romans 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as
we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God,
who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit
intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Everyone’s prayer life looks different. Perhaps you know someone, like I do,
who wakes up early and does a 30-minute devotional followed by prayer.
Perhaps you know someone in recovery, like I do, who reads from the Big
Book of AA and NA on a daily basis with prayers to follow. Perhaps you know
someone, like I do, who goes to bed at night and closes the day with prayer.
And perhaps you’re someone, like me, whose prayer life is haphazard and
intermittent.
Our faith does not detail or dictate a certain time, place, or method by which
we must pray. Rather it simply encourages us to pray. And yet, we forget,
we struggle to find the words, we don’t have the right place to do so, we feel
uncomfortable or unsure.
Again, our faith does not detail or dictate when or how or where we must
pray, we are simply encouraged to do so. There is no bad time to pray, no
wrong place to pray, and certainly, no wrong way to pray or words that God
cannot comprehend. So, how might our lives be shaped differently if prayer
became an important and intentional part of our lives?
Anne Lamott who wrote the widely read book on prayer, “Help. Thanks.
Wow.” It says, ““Prayer is taking a chance that against all odds and past history,
we are loved and chosen, and do not have to get it together before we
show up.” “Prayer means that, in some unique way, we believe we’re invited
into a relationship with someone who hears us when we speak in silence.”
Prayer is more than a rhythm or set aside time, though it is often that. Prayer
is time in conversation with God about whatever pains our heart, and whatever
brings our souls great gladness. So, before we think of how and when
and where we will pray, perhaps consider what and why.
Something to Try:
-During one mundane task each day (washing the dishes, folding laundry,
getting ready for the day, walking into work) share a prayer concern or joy
with God.
-Ask yourself in the morning what prayers you’d like to be mindful of
throughout the day.
Questions For Discussion:
-Under what circumstances do you find it easy to pray? Hard to pray?
-What rhythm of prayer life have you found easiest to settle into for a period
of time?
-Have you or how have you witnessed prayer supporting you or someone?
-How do you sense the Spirit working through prayers?
Soul Crafting: Week Two
November 13, 2019 • Katherine Kerr
Soul Crafting - Session 3
Session Three – Practicing Gratitude Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus[a] was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” Numerous studies over the last decade have pointed to the positive health benefits of gratitude. A practice of gratitude can reduce anxiety, help with sleep patterns, ease depression, and lower blood pressure! What about gratitude is so healing in this way? Perhaps because gratitude encourages us to see life as a gift. Rather than achieving life, or getting by with life, or earning life, it is a gift. That change in understanding might encourage us to enjoy life with more joy more happiness, and more praise for the one who created life, gave us life and sustains our lives. President of Luther Seminary, David Lose, tells a story of a friend of his who always responded to the question “how are you?” by saying, “I am grateful.” Rather than saying, “I am good” or “fine” as most of us do, she would say “I am grateful.” Everyday, every time someone asked her, that was her response. What a way to be reminded that what makes you “good” is a gift from God – a gift for which we ought to be grateful. Imagine how that might have changed her day, every day, to recognize in each passing moment with a store clerk, in the elevator, or passing a co-worker, to be reminded that she is grateful. That life is a gift and one in which she is not passively receiving but receiving with joy! Surely, we all have much to be grateful for. Even in the midst of pain, grief, loneliness, and struggle, how might be receiving care. In the midst of daily life, what moments are sparking joy. In the throws of deep and unprecedented joy, there is much to be grateful for rather than proud of. Something to try: -Write a thank you note to one person who has been meaningful or done something meaningful with you recently. -Spend at least one day responding to the question, “how are you?” with “I am grateful.” Questions For Discussion: - When do you feel particularly grateful? - In what ways do you struggle to express gratitude? - How might life have changed for the leper in Luke 17? - Why do you think the other lepers did not turn back?