Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Prayer is not...

Prayer is not simply a petition to God for things or a quick fix to a problem. Prayer is a life force, like breath and water. Our ability to communicate with God is one way we know we are alive. Ciona D. Rouse


I'm not sure that I've ever heard prayer called a "life force" before...but it is truth. This quote was one of those times that I recognized and believed what was said...it was an "ah-ha" moment. If prayer is as essential as breathing (and I believe it is), it is no wonder so many of us struggle through life. Hurting those we love with our actions and our words, never reaching our potential as Christ's brothers and sisters...if the avenue for communication is blocked, it's hopeless!

I first heard of "Breath Prayers" during a study of Richard Fosters' "Celebration of Discipline" several years ago. It can be as simple as breathing in, and breathing out...with a word of petition, with a word of praise or with a word of truth on our lips. Breathing is essential to living, so is praying.

Many have studied "A Purpose Driven Life"...this link is to their teaching on breath prayers...it's just one of many.

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