Free Men Free MindsConfidently Growing in Prayer
Prayer is powerful, though many do not trust this, completely. Here is a thought on prayer, taken from a post by David Warren titled Eve of whatever, which was written in an essay by Father Jonathan Robinson of the Oratory, as Warren relates in his post. I think Father Robinson is correct.
“One of the marks of genuine growth in prayer is a deepening sense of confidence in God. Modern man is afflicted with anxiety, that is, with a sort of fear that has no definite object. Our attempts to pray and live a good life seem to make existence more complicated. Our efforts to respond to God often bring confusion and suffering, but they do gradually develop in us a heightened awareness of the reality of God, and of his care for us. This new sense of the presence of God is the best antidote for that formless fear and unease that we call anxiety.”
The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer I pray most often. Because this is the only prayer that Jesus Christ specifically revealed to us, thanks to the disciples request “Lord, teach us how to pray.” I often think this prayer must be the most powerful prayer there can be, especially if one allows all their cares and concerns to be wrapped within.
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
