|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:29 pm
Matthew 6:8
for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
One prayer technique that is often over looked and can seem counter intuitive is silent prayer. This is where you quiet your thoughts and accept the silence and stillness. This is essentially meditation.
A narrative that illustrates this process is the story of the ship on the sea in Matthew. The storm and the sea is our very minds. They are often very turbulent and we worry how it will affect the ship. All it takes to quiet this storm is for the Christ that dwells within us to say storm be still. This can be difficult to do since we have so many other "capable" parts that micromanage and priorities how to sail the ship in the storm. Also we are often ingrained to think of God and Christ as being exclusively outside of us and "distant" from us. The thing is that Christ is on the ship with you and all your micromanagers.
I struggle with this technique personally. My mind races like crazy and my wants and desires often overtake me. I don't like being still and feel like I'm somehow hurting myself when I'm being still. I have to remind myself that the Sabbath was made for man, meaning that I need to take some personal time and it's not a bad thing to do. Evidence of the Spirit is Motion and Rest it is said. Sometimes a little code word or phrase to help remind me of what I am doing. A verse or even a small phrase, like "storm be still", so I can let the quietness and stillness take over. I hope this helps you all in your journey.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 12:51 am
It is an effective practice used by many religious persons. And I'm sure the quietude helps.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 5:43 am
i meditate when i pray and it helps me quite a bit. you aso dont have to just sit still when you meditate, just let your mind empty and be at ease. when i paint it gives me that same wonderful calm feeling as when im just sitting there doing nothing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 5:59 pm
I often pray mentally, since I don't always feel comfortable randomly praying aloud in public or even among my christian family. It's a "me" thing. Anywho, I differentiate meditation from prayer, but I think it is equally important. For me, prayer is like talking to God and meditating is like listening. When the mind is quiet it can fully receive--grace, blessings, answers. Although, a mysterious voice has never resonated in my mind, after a long meditation I always feel like I can approach problems more easily, and even if I don't "know" what will result, I know what I must do. Usually, it turns out for the better.
It's funny that you mention the false belief of God being distant ("other" and "out there"). I see it changing, slowly but surely, among young christians. I'm happy to hear more and more christians preaching how God is with us, now! Because it's true. He couldn't hear our prayers if He was in another place cut off from us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 6:35 pm
I tend to overintellectualize. So I find it particularly difficcult, but part of communicating with God is "shut up and listen" as my pastor said sort of tongue-in-cheek in a recent sermon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 10:06 am
I find that quiet meditation and prayer are best. But far too often, I've had to pray on the go. There are just times that a quiet place is not to be found, and prayer is necessary for proper guidance. I think that Matthew 6:8 is very appropriate, rmcdra. The trick is, and is always a work in progress when walking with Christ, is to make sure that all thoughts when not stressed are Spirit guided and glorify God. So that when we are under stress, those thoughts that are sent in spontaneous prayer are true, unselfish, and humble. And therefore much more expedient. lol
Not great at it yet, but getting better.
Anon. Mosh
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
