A Tradition of Prayer
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From the Prayer Room
of First-Plymouth Congregational Church
Lincoln, Nebraska
A Resource for Everyone Seeking Spiritual Growth Through Prayer
Welcome
We welcome you to First-Plymouth Church's Prayer
Room. The devotional materials you will find here are provided to give you a
chance to spend a few minutes in prayer and meditation.
Many of us assume that prayer is a quiet, sedentary
occupation. However, there is a strong tradition in the church that believes
prayer has an active dimension. Practicing the Presence of God takes seriously
the living and doing aspects of both the scriptures and Christian faith.
Practicing the Presence of god
Prayer in the Midst of Living...I by my works will show you my faith.
--James 2:18c
Practicing the Presence of God
Many people may think they are not drawn to prayer because they dislike periods of silence or prolonged reflective exercises. They are “do-ers” more that they are “be-ers.” Persons with these inclinations may be surprised to learn that, throughout Christian history, there are leaders who have spent their lives in a more active form of prayer. Some will recall Brother Lawrence who prayed daily as he washed dishes. Mother Teresa prayed as she cared for abandoned children in the streets of Calcutta. For others, the most prayerful activity they do is found in various acts of service, no matter how menial or uninspiring it may seem, in the course of daily life.
The Apostle Paul's admonition to “pray without ceasing” may seem impractical in our busy lives. However, he isn't telling us to be in formal, structured prayer 24 hours a day. Instead, the church has come to understand that whatever we are doing, if done with an awareness of God's presence and blessing, is a form of “active” praying. Prayer in action calls on us to recognize God in every waking moment. This form of prayer frequently draws on our five senses as we prayerfully work with our hands in service of the world God created.
In this way of praying, we are to “practice the presence of God” as we go about our daily tasks. Our tasks, themselves, become an opportunity to sense God's presence and guidance. Our tasks, themselves, become a repetitive, centering “mantra” or chant which links us ever more closely to our creator. This is true in the most routine or mundane tasks. The task itself need not be particularly sacred. The most routine chore can take on a sacred dimension when we offer it to God and practice the presence of God while doing it. Something as simple as eating has the power to make us sensitive to God's being with us.
Some monastic orders, as well as individuals, find that working in silence heightens the person's awareness of the sacred nature of their activities.
A Short Guide to Practicing the Presence of God
This form of praying is, in many respects, one of the easiest ways to pray. All in requires is that you be accept the reality of God' s presence with you. Because of this presence, every thing we do, every movement we make, has a spiritual, a sacred dimension to it. When you are about to begin a job or task, pause and offer up a prayer like this:
You, O God, are the creator of the whole world and of everything that is in it. You are found, not in lofty words or elaborate plans, but here, in the simple moments of life. Help me to rejoice in your company and grace no matter what tasks lays before me. Use my heart and my hands for your glory, through Jesus Christ, your humble and obedient servant. Amen.
Then, do the job, remembering that through your activity you really are living, working, and praying in the presence of God.
Prepared for
First-Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ, Lincoln, NE.
Adapted
from “Ways of Praying” by Charlotte H. Still, provided by the United
Church of Christ’s Office for church Life and Leadership for use in local
churches of the UCC © 1998.
The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ n the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
If you would like to have a special prayer request added to First-Plymouth Church's prayer list, or if you have a concern you would like to share with our staff, please e-mail us through the Rev. Nancy Erickson.