Formation Group Series: Chapter 4

Chapter 4: The Problem of Prayer

This is because our prayers have not done in us what we want to see done in the world. Our inner lives are too often filled with unimaginative thoughts and disembodied prayers… But the way to address this is not to give up on prayer but to give ourselves to prayer. It is not to pray less; it is to pray differently.

One of Jesus’ disciples asked Him, after He had finished praying, to teach them how to pray (see Luke, chapter 11). Imagine, having the One to and with whom we pray, standing before you. What was it about how Jesus prayed that inspired His disciples? What a beautiful posture, and an important request, “Lord, teach us to pray.” When we approach God in prayer, perhaps it is with this posture that we should begin, recognizing that God is always growing us up in intimacy and knowledge of Him, and in our understanding of prayer.

First, God is not far from any one of us. Second, in God, we live, move, and have our being.

I often have to remind myself of this truth. Though I may feel that God is far away, He is not. I have to pay attention. Where is God as I am praying? Is God distant, somewhere up in the sky, or does God dwell with and within me? I have to remind myself of God’s nearness, not just in proximity, but in how he loves me as well. Is God frustrated with me? Is God angry with me? Has God’s grace run out for me? This is perhaps at the heart and start of contemplative prayer, coming back to the truth that how I feel about God may not reflect God’s reality and how He feels about me, and allowing myself to orient to God’s truth and reality, that no matter how we feel, He is near, loving, and faithful towards us.

Said another way, communion with God is not some kind of human achievement but is always a gift from him—a gift most profoundly seen in Christ’s work on the cross.

The image that immediately comes to mind is that of my kids bursting through our bedroom door and jumping into the bed in the morning, every morning. It’s beautiful, and messy, and Felicia and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. They did nothing to earn this, they are simply beloved. Jesus died on the cross to grant us this kind of access. We don’t have to knock. We don’t have to clean up first. He’s already done that for us. Whether in joy or sorrow, he is ready to receive us, simply because we are His and His beloved.

It’s when I open myself to God that he has the space to work in my soul.

It is in prayer that Christ forms us. Eugene Peterson’s The Message puts it like this in Psalm 139, “Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me; get a clear picture of what I’m about; see for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—then guide me on the road to eternal life.” As we continue to offer ourselves to God in prayer and invite Him to form us, Pastor Rich tells us that God will deliver us from the false self, create within us an unanxious presence, and send us out into the world, rooted in God, with the power to expose the powers, announce the kingdom of God, and gently encourage those bruised by life.

In contemplative prayer, our aim is not to do something for God, or even gain something from him; it’s simply to be with God.

Reflection

What role does prayer play in your life with God?

There are many ways to pray. How have you entered into prayer?

Share an experience when you’ve felt near to God.

Define contemplative prayer.

Rich writes “to contemplate something is to fix your attention on it in a curious and deliberate manner.” This requires an unhurried pace. How do you slow down to make space for God? What might you need to do, or stop doing, to create more space for God?

As we consistently practice contemplative prayer, we will see it’s impact and fruit. Have you seen fruit from your prayer life that you are willing to share with the group?

How might a group of believers, practicing contemplative prayer, positively impact the community?

Has anything else about this chapter and contemplative prayer inspired you?

Bible Passage for Mediation

Isaiah 30:18-22

18 So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
    so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
    Blessed are those who wait for his help.

19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem,
    you will weep no more.
He will be gracious if you ask for help.
    He will surely respond to the sound of your cries.

20 Though the Lord gave you adversity for food
    and suffering for drink,
he will still be with you to teach you.
    You will see your teacher with your own eyes.

21 Your own ears will hear him.
    Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,”
    whether to the right or to the left.

22 Then you will destroy all your silver idols
    and your precious gold images.
You will throw them out like filthy rags,
    saying to them, “Good riddance!”