Dream Awakener

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So let’s continue this series on developing a rhythm of life.  I am taking some time to share with you my personal rhythm so that you might also develop one for yourself or together with your community or small circle of friends develop a rhythm that helps you walk by the Spirit and live life more to the full.  We are following the categories that Debra Farrington set out her inspiring book Living Faith Day by Day.  In the last entry we talked about seeking God, and this entry we will talk about prayer.

Here are some ancient quotes on prayer by various monastic communities:

"Pray temperately and simply.  Prayer is heart-to-heart talk between yourself and god and needs to brilliant ideas, no flood of words."  – The Jerusalem Community – Rule or Rhythm of Life

"The place of prayer should not be used for any purpose other than that for which it is intended and from which it takes its name."  – The Rule of St. Augustine

"Interior silence requires first of all to forget oneself, to quiet discordant voices, and to master obsessing worry… Interior silence renders possible our conversation with Jesus Christ."  – The Rule of Taize

"Resisting the tendency to restrict prayer to set times, we are to aim at Eucharist living that is responsive at all times and in all places to the divine presence.  We should seek the gifts which help us to pray without ceasing." – The Rule of the Society of St. John the Evangelist

"Pray constantly for those who annoy you." – The Rule of Colmcille

"Your prayer will take countless forms because it is the echo of your life, and a reflection of the inexhaustible light in which God dwells."  – Rule for a New Brother

I’m a big fan of Eugene Peterson, and in this interview with Michael Cusick he shares a bit about prayer, among many other things.  In answering one question, the last part of his response was, "Words come out of relationship, and prayer.  A life of prayer, not just saying your prayers.  then Cusick comes back with this:

Say more about the idea of "a life of prayer," as opposed to saying our prayers.  Here is where you can find his response.

This is what my personal rhythm of life will look like this coming year in the area of prayer:

PRAYER

• Create a moveable prayer space on my roof, allowing the view of the city to help me to engage in prayer for the needs of my city and neighborhood

• Take the time to pray with others often, short or long prayers, praying for needs as well as prayers of thanksgiving

• Take time to pray for my enemies and those who annoy me

• Engage in monthly mini-retreats in different environments for silence, solitude and reflection

• Turning ordinary objects in the course of my day into sacred objects by allowing them to help connect me to the divine.  As Elizabeth Browning writes, “Earth’s crammed with heaven and every common bush afire with God: but only he who sees, takes off his shoes.”

So now you think about this area of prayer and what your rule or rhythm of life might look like this coming year.