Prayer

Prayer is the way a disciple enjoys an intimate relationship with God. Prayer can be private or public, ritualized or conversational, silent or out loud, spoken or sung, words or action, simple or profound. Through prayer God’s will is discerned and greater clarity is gained for our journey. Prayer is powerful. God’s creative, redeeming and healing power is often directed through prayer.

Prayer is Adoration (praise, honoring God), Confession (saying “I’m sorry,” acknowledging sin, that “I can’t do it on my own”), Thanksgiving (saying thanks, counting blessings, allowing God’s perspective to shape life) and Supplication (asking for, praying for others, petitionary in character) - ACTS. The Lord’s Prayer and Luther’s interpretation in the Small Catechism provide ample instruction for the content and elements of prayer and a prayerful life. Part of a disciple’s job description is to pray frequently.

(Excerpt from “Faith Practices: Assessing Their Place in Your Life,” Living Faith Congregation Guide, 2000).

As Grace journeys in Advent, we focus our hearts on the Habit of Prayer. Here are some of the comments and concerns people have shared about their experiences. Click here.

Books to Read

• A Beginner's Guide to Prayer by Richard J. Beckman
• Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home by Richard J. Foster
• Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels

Websites to visit

• ELCA Prayer Center 

Experiences to explore

• Walk our Prayer Labyrinth