Wednesday, January 6, 2010

praying the prayer of another

For me, prayer is dialogue with God. Each dialogue is unique, sometimes clear and epic in nature, sometimes vague and ephemeral. I tend to think of dialogue needing to be "in my own words". However, I often pray through scripture, using the words I read as my own words to God, and reading the words as his words to me. I've prayed psalms as if they were my own. And the Lord's Prayer - a gift that each of us can claim. I've also prayed prayers written by others, aligning myself with the words and ideas expressed through their writing.

Recently I've been thinking of a prayer that I came across several years ago, and I prayed it regularly for a time, loving how it addressed each aspect of the Trinity. Today, finally I searched it, and when I found it, it was like a key unlocking a door in my memory bank. Memories of the time of life when I prayed this prayer daily. Who I prayed it with. How God revealed himself as Three in One to me at that time.

This prayer is by John Stott, pastor of All Souls Church in London.

Good morning heavenly Father. Good morning Lord Jesus. Good morning Holy Spirit. Father I pray that I may live this day in Your presence and please You more and more. Lord Jesus I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow You. Holy Spirit I pray that this day You will fill me with Yourself and cause Your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three Persons in one God, have mercy upon me, Amen.

-Candice

1 comment:

Andrea said...

I like your style Letkeman. You use choice words. Have always appreciated your ability to write and express yourself through words. maybe you can edit some more of my paper someday??!! I'm sure you have lots of time on your hands..