Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools

1. Prayer is a conversation with God, not a performance

Prayer is the free choice to be with the Father, to prefer his company.

Relationship, not ritual. Prayer is fundamentally about developing a relationship with God, not performing religious duties. It's an opportunity to engage in honest, open dialogue with the Creator of the universe. This dialogue includes expressing needs, doubts, and gratitude, as well as listening for God's response.

Authenticity matters. God values sincerity over eloquence in prayer. Jesus taught his disciples to pray simply and directly, addressing God as "Our Father." This approach emphasizes the intimate, familial relationship believers can have with God.

Prayer transforms. Regular, authentic prayer changes the one praying. It aligns our desires with God's will, deepens our understanding of His character, and cultivates a sense of dependence on Him rather than self-reliance.

2. Stillness is essential for meaningful prayer

Be still, and know that I am God.

Combating hurry sickness. Modern life is characterized by constant busyness and distraction. This "hurry sickness" is antithetical to the stillness required for deep prayer. Intentionally creating space for quiet reflection is crucial for developing a meaningful prayer life.

Rediscovering God's perspective. Stillness in prayer allows us to step back from our immediate concerns and see life from God's vantage point. This broader perspective can bring clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Practical steps:

• Set aside dedicated time for prayer, free from distractions
• Practice silence and listening as part of prayer
• Use breath prayers or short, repeated phrases to center yourself
• Consider incorporating physical postures (kneeling, hands open) to reinforce stillness

3. Adoration helps us remember who God is and who we are

Prayer is the act of seeing reality from God's point of view.

Shifting focus. Adoration in prayer intentionally shifts our focus from ourselves to God's character and attributes. This reorientation is crucial for developing a healthy spiritual perspective and combating self-centeredness.

Restoring identity. As we praise God for who He is, we are reminded of our own identity as His beloved children. This affirmation of our relationship with God can be deeply healing and empowering.

Practical adoration:

• Use Scripture, particularly the Psalms, to guide praise
• Reflect on specific attributes of God (love, faithfulness, power)
• Express gratitude for God's actions in your life and the world
• Incorporate worship music or other art forms into your prayer time

4. Confession is a pathway to spiritual growth and healing

To be a saint is to be fueled by gratitude, nothing more and nothing less.

Breaking cycles of shame. Confession allows us to bring our shortcomings and failures into the light, breaking the power of secrecy and shame. This vulnerability before God (and sometimes trusted others) opens the door to healing and transformation.

Embracing growth. Rather than seeing confession as a sign of weakness, it should be viewed as a mark of spiritual maturity. Regular confession demonstrates a commitment to growth and a willingness to confront areas of struggle.

Elements of effective confession:

• Specific acknowledgment of sins or shortcomings
• Genuine remorse and desire for change
• Acceptance of God's forgiveness and grace
• Practical steps toward repentance and growth

5. Intercessory prayer brings heaven to earth

Prayer is the means by which we push back the curse that's infected the world and infected us.

Partnering with God. Intercessory prayer is not about convincing God to act, but about aligning ourselves with His purposes and participating in His work. It's an invitation to join God in bringing His kingdom to earth.

Expanding our perspective. Praying for others cultivates compassion and broadens our understanding of God's love for all people. It moves us beyond self-focused prayers to engage with the needs of the world around us.

Effective intercession:

• Pray specifically for individuals and situations
• Use Scripture to guide your prayers for others
• Be open to how God might use you in answering prayers
• Persist in prayer, even when results aren't immediately visible

6. Persistence is key in prayer, even when facing silence

God collects our prayers like love letters and our tears like fine wine.

Embracing mystery. Unanswered prayer is a common experience that can lead to doubt and discouragement. Embracing the mystery of God's ways, while continuing to pray, builds resilience and deepens faith.

Reframing expectations. Instead of seeing prayer solely as a means to get what we want, persistent prayer cultivates a deeper relationship with God and aligns our will with His. The process of praying becomes as valuable as the answers we seek.

Practices for persistence:

• Keep a prayer journal to track requests and answers
• Set reminders to pray regularly for ongoing concerns
• Study biblical examples of persistence in prayer
• Share prayer requests with others for mutual support and accountability

7. Daily prayer rhythms cultivate a life of rebellious fidelity

Prayer is not begging God to do something for us that he doesn't know about, or begging God to do something for us that he is reluctant to do, or begging God to do something that he hasn't time for.

Countercultural commitment. Establishing daily prayer rhythms is a form of rebellion against the cultural norms of busyness and self-reliance. It's a choice to prioritize relationship with God above other demands.

Fidelity through routine. Regular prayer habits create a structure that supports our relationship with God, especially when emotions or circumstances are challenging. This fidelity deepens our connection with God over time.

Implementing daily rhythms:

• Morning: Start the day with the Lord's Prayer, personalizing each section
• Midday: Take a brief pause to pray for those who don't know God
• Evening: Practice gratitude, reflecting on God's presence throughout the day
• Consider using an app or guide to support your prayer rhythm

Last updated: January 23, 2025