How to Pray

What's "How to Pray: Reflections and Essays" by C.S. Lewis about?

• Exploration of Prayer: The book is a collection of C.S. Lewis's thoughts on prayer, gathered from his various writings, including essays, letters, and poems.
• Practical and Theological Insights: It offers both practical advice on how to pray and theological reflections on the nature and purpose of prayer.
• Personal Experience: Lewis shares his personal experiences and struggles with prayer, providing a relatable perspective for readers.
• Comprehensive Collection: The book compiles Lewis's wisdom on prayer from different sources, making it a comprehensive guide for understanding his views on the subject.

Why should I read "How to Pray: Reflections and Essays" by C.S. Lewis?

• Deepen Understanding of Prayer: The book provides profound insights into the practice and significance of prayer from a renowned Christian thinker.
• Relatable Struggles: Lewis's candid discussion of his own challenges with prayer can resonate with readers facing similar issues.
• Diverse Perspectives: The collection includes a variety of writings, offering a well-rounded view of Lewis's thoughts on prayer.
• Spiritual Growth: Reading this book can inspire personal reflection and growth in one's own prayer life.

What are the key takeaways of "How to Pray: Reflections and Essays" by C.S. Lewis?

• Prayer as Relationship: Lewis emphasizes that prayer is about building a relationship with God, not just making requests.
• Honesty in Prayer: He advocates for honesty in prayer, encouraging readers to present their true selves to God.
• Prayer's Efficacy: The book explores the idea that while prayer may not always change circumstances, it changes the person who prays.
• Role of Faith: Lewis discusses the importance of faith in prayer, acknowledging that it can be challenging but is essential for a meaningful prayer life.

How does C.S. Lewis address the question, "Can prayer be proven to work?" in "How to Pray"?

• Empirical Proof: Lewis argues that empirical proof of prayer's efficacy is unattainable because prayer is not a mechanical process.
• Personal Experience: He shares personal anecdotes where prayer seemed to have an impact, but acknowledges that these cannot be scientifically proven.
• Faith and Relationship: Lewis suggests that the true value of prayer lies in the relationship it fosters with God, rather than in measurable outcomes.
• Divine Will: He emphasizes that prayer is about aligning with God's will, which may not always align with our desires.

Why does C.S. Lewis believe it's not presumptuous to bring our concerns before God in "How to Pray"?

• God's Invitation: Lewis explains that God invites us to bring our concerns to Him, as a way to engage in a personal relationship.
• Honesty in Prayer: He encourages honesty in prayer, suggesting that we should present our true thoughts and feelings to God.
• God's Knowledge: While God already knows our needs, prayer is a way for us to acknowledge our dependence on Him.
• Role of Prayer: Lewis views prayer as a means of communication with God, not as a way to inform Him of our needs.

How does C.S. Lewis suggest we make prayer a regular practice in "How to Pray"?

• Routine and Flexibility: Lewis advises establishing a routine for prayer but also being flexible to adapt it as needed.
• Avoiding Legalism: He warns against turning prayer into a legalistic duty, which can lead to a false sense of righteousness.
• Focus on Presence: Emphasizing the presence of God, Lewis suggests that the act of prayer is more important than the form it takes.
• Practical Tips: He offers practical advice, such as praying in a quiet place and being honest about one's feelings during prayer.

What does C.S. Lewis say about the role of faith in prayer in "How to Pray"?

• Faith's Importance: Lewis highlights the importance of faith in prayer, acknowledging that it can be difficult to maintain.
• Faith and Assurance: He discusses the challenge of having faith that prayers will be answered, especially when outcomes are uncertain.
• Faith as Trust: Lewis views faith as trust in God's wisdom and timing, rather than a guarantee of specific results.
• Growth in Faith: He suggests that prayer can be a means of growing in faith, as it requires reliance on God.

How does C.S. Lewis address the question, "Why make requests of God if He already knows what we need?" in "How to Pray"?

• Prayer as Relationship: Lewis emphasizes that prayer is about building a relationship with God, not just making requests.
• Expression of Dependence: He suggests that prayer is an expression of our dependence on God, acknowledging our need for His guidance.
• God's Invitation: Lewis explains that God invites us to bring our concerns to Him, as a way to engage in a personal relationship.
• Role of Prayer: He views prayer as a means of communication with God, not as a way to inform Him of our needs.

What are the best quotes from "How to Pray: Reflections and Essays" by C.S. Lewis and what do they mean?

• "Prayer is request. The essence of request, as distinct from compulsion, is that it may or may not be granted." This quote highlights the nature of prayer as a humble request, acknowledging that God may choose to grant or deny it.
• "The prayer preceding all prayers is 'May it be the real I who speaks. May it be the real Thou that I speak to.'" Lewis emphasizes the importance of authenticity in prayer, seeking a genuine connection with God.
• "God gives where He finds empty hands." This quote suggests that openness and humility are essential for receiving God's blessings through prayer.
• "Prayer is not a machine. It is not magic. It is not advice offered to God." Lewis clarifies that prayer is a relational act, not a mechanical or magical process.

How does C.S. Lewis address the question, "Does prayer require morbid introspection of our sins?" in "How to Pray"?

• Healthy Introspection: Lewis advocates for a healthy level of introspection, acknowledging one's sins without becoming overly morbid.
• Confession and Repentance: He emphasizes the importance of confession and repentance in prayer, as a way to seek God's forgiveness.
• Avoiding Self-Absorption: Lewis warns against becoming too focused on one's own sins, which can lead to self-absorption and despair.
• Balance in Prayer: He suggests finding a balance between acknowledging one's sins and focusing on God's grace and forgiveness.

How does C.S. Lewis suggest we pray while grieving in "How to Pray"?

• Authentic Expression: Lewis encourages expressing genuine emotions in prayer, acknowledging grief and pain honestly.
• Seeking Comfort: He suggests seeking comfort in God's presence, even when answers are not immediately apparent.
• Trust in God: Lewis emphasizes trusting in God's wisdom and timing, even when prayers for relief seem unanswered.
• Hope in Grief: He offers hope by reminding readers that God is present in their suffering and can bring healing over time.

How does C.S. Lewis address the question, "Can we pray to avoid suffering if it is good for our soul?" in "How to Pray"?

• Suffering's Role: Lewis acknowledges that suffering can have a redemptive role, but it is not inherently good.
• Prayer for Relief: He suggests that it is appropriate to pray for relief from suffering, while also seeking God's will.
• Submission to God: Lewis emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's will, even when it involves suffering.
• Balance in Prayer: He advocates for a balance between seeking relief and accepting suffering as part of God's plan for growth.