(notes from Eugene H. Peterson’s book, “Working the Angles”)

Our mostly silent, sometimes spoken out loud communication with God is what we call prayer. Thankfully, there is no end to the possibilities, methods, and even time we give to this practice. Being a pastor, I hope I never consider it, or any aspect of what I do, as a job. Work? Yes. The worship word “liturgy” (liturgia) means “work”. This morning, I confess, I stunk at it. I was not in the right head space. Thinking myself a failure, I moped myself into starting the day. I also have the “JOY!ous burden” of being expected to do “performative prayer” – throughout worship, at every meeting and event. Add to that pre-op, hospice, etc.

The word of God comes first. Everything else, even at the start of everything, is our response. The teaching and training in holy communication (prayer) is the ongoing, continuous activity of faith. Like feelings, there is no right or wrong; prayer just is. It is impossible in God’s eyes for a humble, reverent heart to fail at prayer. Whether we do it “by the book”, off the top of our head, sighing, or weeping, we are seeking the presence of the living God. Be gentle to yourselves, dear readers. It is when you don’t think you have the time, the ability, the right head space, that our precious Lord covets our thoughts and words the most. “The Spirit intercedes for us…”

…with unconditional love.

Pastor Art