Where we are Headed

Here, I'm just going to cover the ground up to chapters 1 and 2 of Paul E Millers book "A Prayer Life", by way of response to the points Roger's already made in the earlier post. I'll launch into the next chapters in a following post, as soon as I've read them.

Reading the first few pages leaves me somewhat excited to what may follow. I'm finding it clear, to the point and honest. I don't find the illustrations especially American as yet. I go camping, wear contact lenses and eat lasagne. Fine so far. And maybe I watch too many movies. So I've had no problems relating to the illustrations which are generally helpful. That includes those concerning family. Whilst I have no children I have a range of suitable nieces and nephews to hang the ideas off.

What do I want out of this book? I've been thinking about prayer a lot recently, especially corporate prayer but also how these times are helped or hindered by our individual prayer lives. I'd like to spend some time examining how I prioritise and approach prayer. I can look back on times when prayer has been especially fervent, or comforting, or faith-filled. Why are these times so hard to sustain? I'm looking forward to discussing the book with Roger because it will become an opportunity to dig more deeply than I would ordinarily do so when reading. I'm aiming to consolidate the gains.

The Forward (David Powilson)

I shall need to read more from David Powilson.

"You've heard the contorted syntax, formulaic phrases, meaningless repetition, vague non-requests, pious tones of voice, and air of confusion."

Indeed I have. I've heard them from my own mouth. Every clause had me nodding. I highlighted it in red. I don't have a scheme. It's just I haven't used red yet.

Ch 1 What Good Does it Do?

His analysis is very helpful. "We keep our doubts hidden even from ourselves", and so the book already involves some soul searching which has been appropriate and incisive. I was trying to grasp how he could so clearly state some uncomfortable truths without leaving me feeling battered, but I think you have it right highlighting the brevity.

"How odd prayer is": I recall when I first began to actually vocalise my personal prayers at home alone. It was most strange but quite revolutionary. There I was, all alone at home, speaking out loud as if someone else was there. And of course someone else was there. I recommend it to everyone. It clarifies the reality of it. It also helps you to distinguish a preparatory thought from the actual words you offer.

I've been thinking about your comments on the recollection of answered prayer and on asking why we find prayer difficult. The atmosphere of the book has already got me thinking seriously about this.

I do recall answered prayers. I confess some of these may in fact leave me unconsciously censoring my prayers. Am I really ready for the disruption the answer to this may bring? Do I have the faith to continue what this prayer starts? He just may answer it. Oooo subtle. Am I perhaps too comfortable with the slightly disappointing but familiar present to step into an exciting if challenging future? And if I pray without the faith to continue perhaps I'm the wind tossed wave, and I can't expect anything. Did Peter ever go fishing after Pentecost? I think Peter liked fishing.

So far there's nothing about being too busy to pray or lacking energy or information. Good. These are the reasons many of us may quote for lack of prayer but I suspect they are all superficial excuses and in honesty used to hide the real reasons.

The danger for me will be to search too introspectively and end up digging though to the other side to no apparent value. I may need some help to hoist me back to reality occasionally.

Ch 2 Where we are Headed

I highlighted that sentence too: "You don't experience God, you get to know Him." We tend to focus on prayer instead of God. Perfect.

This is the second reason why I'm excited by this book.

Your distinction between trust and 'hope' in prayer was a helpful spur to some reflection. Asking in faith or wishing on a star. I'm still chin scratching on that and may return to it later.

I agreed with his, perhaps provocative, assessment that many have become "functional deists" while still believing. At least it made his point very very clearly. We throw up petitions asking God to come down, but this is my Father's world, change is possible.

"Honest, realistic, mature, wise, deep. Warmly recommended." J I Packer

I bought it on that recommendation. He's not wrong so far.