Three actions are recommended for us during Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I mentioned this idea in my writing for Ash Wednesday because the three come from the Gospel for that day. Jesus says about all three, “When you pray,” fast, and give alms. He does not say, “If you” do these things. Jesus expects that we will pray, fast, and carry out acts of charity.
We call these actions “disciplines” going back to the core meaning of the word. It is the training of the student or the disciple. It is not punishment for wrongdoing. Someone trying to pursue an interest must learn and practice in order to improve or even excel at the endeavor. Musicians, athletes, artists, and all manner of other careers and hobbies involve steps and rehearsal in order to grow in ability and proficiency. People embrace the discipline which will enhance the performance. The disciples (that’s you and me) pray in order to deepen their relationship with God.
You may have heard this saying: We don’t pray to change God’s mind; we pray in order that our minds can learn what is the mind of God. Prayer is spending time with God. It is speaking to God, and it is also listening to God. Listening is the harder part. Our minds wander, we have a long list of things to do, and we get interrupted by people and phones and the clutter of data in our brains. If we want to listen to God, we need to slow down, quiet ourselves, and get rid of distractions.
It helps to have a time and place for prayer which may be difficult if you live with others. You may need to tell them you need some alone time – only emergency disturbances. There is not just one right way to pray, but do what helps you. You can light a candle, play music, take some deep breaths. You can have a pad and paper to jot down stray thoughts so they don’t nag at you. Turn off your phone. (Leave it in another room?) Start with a Scripture verse or reading that reminds you of the presence of God. Be silent. One or two minutes may be a long time; but be willing to practice the discipline of waiting in prayer.
I find talking to God is easy. I say what is in my heart and I pray for relatives and friends and for my own needs. I thank God for listening to me. But turning things around to listen to what God is saying – that is not so easy. Pray for a listening heart. Be open to seeking God’s voice. Just pray.
