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On a Bad Day Remember that the very idea of prayer comes from God's calling. We should not be in this state of unfulfilled desire if he had not already brought us into his service. Our being present - the act of will involved is in itself an act of faith, and a beginning in prayer. Rest for a time in that certainty without being afraid of the distracting thoughts. If it helps write down some of the things that trouble you - to verbalise and record them can make them less terrifying. Allow 5 minutes for this. Slowly pause between each phrase and say the texts below or similar ones appropriate to the situation. Each of the following sections might take about 7 minutes. 'They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength' (Isaiah 40:31). 'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10). 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you' (John 14:27). Try and open yourself to God who is both the author and the goal of all prayer. Praise and adore him simply for all that he is: he is far greater than anything we can say to him or about him. Simply accept his presence in the way that is most real and comforting: the loving, powerful Father, Jesus the healing Son; the Holy Spirit who fills all things, who dwells within us and renews us. Now use words of adoration to come closer to him: 'For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations' (Psalm 22:28). 'O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever' (Psalm 118:1). 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' (Colossians 1:27). 'Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith' (Hebrews 12:2). 'The spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you' (1 Peter 4:14). In this assurance let all anxieties come into the open. Make the distractions from prayer into the prayer-offering for the day. Our weakness and insufficiency are as good as prayer, because they are honest. There is nothing real to us that we cannot hold up in prayer to God. It is not necessary to make all our petitions in solemn forms or to be sure that we are asking for the right things. Now imagine yourself standing at the foot of the Cross and laying down the burdens which God will take up and transform into what is best for us: 'Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord' (Psalm 130:1). 'Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry thee, O Lord' (Psalm 28:2). 'In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God' (Philippians 4:6). 'The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us' (Romans 8:26). 'Your Father knoweth what things we have need of before we ask him' (Matthew 6:8). Rest in the love that is always there. Feel it as a bright light which illuminates all things, a warm radiance spread through all creation. Whatever we have known of joy and happiness is a little experience of what God has prepared for us. And even in this world, joy will be ours again on another day. 'The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms' (Deuteronomy 33:27). 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him' (1 Corinthians 2:9). 'Let not your heart be troubled' (John 14:1 or 27). 'I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly' (John 10:10). 'God is love' (1 John 4:8). Hold to this and then say, 'Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.' You have 'said your prayers': the bad day has been a step forward in faith. |
Take a posture of prayer which is most useful to you.