Pray With Your Whole Heart!

The following is another guest post from my friend Jessica.

Once again, this brings up something meaningful for all of us to think about . . .

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When I was in 8th grade Sunday school, my teacher Mr. H gave me something to think about. His lesson was about praying with your whole heart, with feeling and emotion!

As you sit in church this Sunday, listen to those around you and to yourself. I promise no matter the faith, you will hear people just reciting verbatim prayers and liturgy. In our church it’s the Lord’s Prayer, and confessions, and every responsive prayer …

There is NO feeling, there is no heart and no love… it’s sad!

Try this reading this as you normally would:

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen.

Felt kinda like you where racing didn’t it? Now try it this way; read the bold with as much feeling as you can muster and take your time:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen.

I can’t pray, sing praises, or follow responsive prayer this way without getting misty eyed! I would rather sound a little different and lag behind a little, and get more out of my church going experience then just going through the motions.

Think about your kids for a moment.  They follow your example.

If you’re just going through the motions, how do you think they’re going to view church or their faith once they’re old enough to follow on their own? Now if you really, really ENJOY church and you’re getting something from your experience, your kids will see this and want this for themselves.

Dear God, please be with us as we follow on your path, help us to pray with love and meaning and to your glory always. Amen.

Jessica