Prayers don’t have to be long-winded. They don’t need to sound “preachy” or righteous. Prayer is communication with God right where you are today. In whatever mood you’re in. With whatever you need to tell God (or the Creator, or to whomever you address your prayers.) It can be simple, but it’s a two-way communication. Ah… yes… that can be the tricky part.
Prayer is both speaking AND listening to God. It requires us to be fully present in the moment. To listen, and to be aware of how God may be responding. In her book, Soul Feast, author Marjorie Thompson tells us that “Attending to the moment of encounter is crucial. The breathing, quieting, and “centering” so frequently recommended in prayer are simply ways of helping us focus on the One we wish to be with.”
So, you can try saying something like…
Holy One,
Thank you for speaking with me today. This does feel like a one-sided conversation. Help me to learn how to have those two-sided conversations with you that I long to have. Amen.
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