Sunday, August 17
It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray..."
—Luke 11:1
That's not a trick question. Really, how do they look?
Most of us have never thought about our prayers as something to behold. But they are. Our language forms a picture of the relationship we have with God. Is it formal? Casual? Friendly? Does it sound the same each time, just a few phrases or names changing with the day of the week? Or do you read your prayers? Do you recite them at meals only? How often do you pray?
Sometimes we need a change in our prayer life to show us a new pathway with God. We gain insight into where we are in our relationship and where God might be calling us as we walk toward the future.
Try this as a simple prayer exercise to open up a new pathway.
- Assemble a piece of construction paper and several felt tip markers. Ask yourself:
- What am I hiding from God?
- What have I not asked God to help me with?
- As you think of answers, immediately write them down using the felt tip markers. Save one vibrant color for later use.
- If you can, use one word answers or short phrases. Write haphazardly all over the page, some words diagonally, some in waves, whatever you choose. Be creative.
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After you've exhausted the answers
to the questions, ask yourself this final one:
- How would God respond to my reflection?
Use the reflection over the coming days as you consider your relationship with God. Let it guide your prayers as you open yourself up to God more and more with each passing day.
Creator God, help me be myself with you. Guide me in our relationship and open me to new expressions of your love in my life. Amen.
The Signposts for August are written by Michael Sullivan and originally appeared on explorefaith in 2006.
