Do You Have a Heavy Cross to Carry?
I was reading a spirituality book the other day and this question was posed: What kinds of prayer or prayer experiences excite you? In other words, what makes you feel most alive and in relationship with God?
I was really struck by these questions, and while I intuitively generally choose prayer forms that speak to me more than others, this concept that prayer should make us feel alive and excited was a bit of a new concept for me.
And I realized a simple truth: God wants us to thrive and be fully alive in and with Him. Prayer and relationship with Him is how we get there.
Sure, I've had experiences of feeling joyful and alive in my relationship with God -- that's what keeps me centered in my faith. But do I readily seek those experiences out by choosing types of prayer that typically lead to them? Not intentionally typically. I have a prayer routine and generally stick to it.
The book convinced me that it's important to be aware and make use of the prayer forms that draw us closer in relationship to God. After all, that's one of the primary goals of prayer. He created us uniquely to experience Him in different ways that are authentic to who we are -- our personality, temperament, and interests.
For me, it's Adoration, Scripture, creative prayer (writing, music, art contemplation), and prayer through movement (exercise, walking, stretching and postures).
So think about that question. What prayer motivates you to pray? What prayer excites you? What prayer makes you feel most alive? This is how God is drawing you to speak and commune with Him in prayer. This is how God wants you to thrive and be fully alive in and with Him.
Prayer can lead you to greater fullness of life.