During some of our biggest milestones, we expect that there will be prayer. There are prayers before, during, and after weddings. We pray during baptisms. Despite "the separation of church and state" we find ways to pray at graduations. In fact, without prayer, some of these celebrations would seem to be missing something.
Often, though, these prayers are offered by someone else in the context of a ceremony. Less often do we think to pray on our own during joyous times. Do we think of praying when we celebrate birthdays, retirements, job promotions, new houses?
The difference seems to be in our expectations, even in our conditioning. We have come to expect prayers at certain times, but not at others. So we must train ourselves differently, teaching ourselves when to pray. At milestones and on joyous occasions, we should pray with gratitude and thankfulness, with hope for the future and wonder at the present.
Today's Prayer Prompt: When you find a moment of joy or satisfaction today, offer a prayer.
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3 comments:
Hey Pastor Josh,
I don't know you. I liked here through Roger Curry's blog. Have you ever read Letters to Malcolm by C.S. Lewis? It's about prayer (mostly). In my not always humble opinion, it's one of his best books. Having read your last few posts on prayer, I think you'd like it.
Melissa the Ragamuffin
Melissa,
I have read many books by C.S. Lewis, but never that one. Thanks for the suggestion -- I'll look it up.
Dear Melissa is a citizen of an online community that has existed continuously for at least 12 years.
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