True Communion

You would think that today, we could get a solid answer about how many times prayer is mentioned in the Bible. We searched and found reports of as little as “128” and as many as “over 700”. Let’s agree that it is referenced a lot. So, it must be important… right?

We have struggled with both the concept and logistics of prayer for most of our lives.

In our youth, prayer was either a meaningless recital or an elongated dissertation with many big words, such as justification, damnation, and sanctification. Connection and communication were void, and the experience left us distant and disconnected.

As we grew, we leaned on “foxhole prayers,” which were really insta-requests that we should want to “not be pulled over” or “get much-needed material relief” (more money, please).

Where we are today, as we have allowed ourselves to learn a new way, is a place of communication, connection, and communion with God at a much deeper level. The communication and connection elements were conceptionally easy, but the communion component required some study. We found a great explanation from our Bahai friends:

Communing with God means to live a life of prayer and meditation. But it is not just daily prayer and meditation while quietly seated; it also includes contemplation while we experience things. By questioning the meaning of these writings (the Bible) and seeking answers, one is communing with God in spirit.

Getting here demanded that we re-look at a God we were taught was mean and judgmental. We saw examples in the lives and actions of others that reflected a forgiving and loving “father figure” God.

We learned, and now know, that it is the conversation that is desired; that heart-to-heart talks trump laundry lists. We came to understand that it was not the tongue but the soul song that was heard and felt.

Prayer does not have to be intimidating. Yes, we are conversing with the creature of the universe (which is mind-blowing), but the Bible repeatedly guides us to that place – through example after example.

We started with a new approach and created new habits. The fruits of our efforts are peace and comfort.

We are comforted that we are not the first to struggle with how to pray. Jesus’ disciples struggled as well and asked for guidance. The Bible lays out the Lord’s Prayer as a fine example. Admittedly, it looked nothing like what we were doing. Nevertheless, it was the basis that led to an actual conversation.

The point is that time is spent reflecting on one’s concerns. The relief is found in the knowledge that that creator is aware and “on it.” That we don’t carry the burden ourselves becomes a solution in of itself.

We will dive into this more as time passes, as it has become a fundamental base in our spiritual journey.

What we do know is that there is no better time and place than right now and right here to make the connection.

Earnestly praying for all our listeners and readers,

---

Thoughts and ideas for this blog post were taken and built upon from asweunderstandhim.coffee podcast #8 "Prayer part 1.” The podcast dropped on 5/21/2023. Click here to hear the podcast.

Photo by Photoholgic on Unsplash