Say AMEN - another look at prayer

I recently stumbled upon this early interview that Krista Tippett did with a theologian named Roberta Bondi (whom I had not known).  You can listen to the 30 minute podcast by clicking HERE.  I found the interview about prayer to be very thought-provoking.

Bondi starts by saying “No matter what your reason for starting to pray, it’s a good one.”  She goes on to talk about how there is no one “right” way to pray and that one does not need a noble or serious reason to pray. Just the desire to do it, even though not knowing why or to whom.  JUST SHOW UP she says.

I have long had an on and off relationship with prayer – the word and the practice.  I remember when I was a chaplain at Children’s Hospital.  In the chapel we had a simple notebook. labelled “prayer requests”.  People often noted in this book, the names of people that they wanted prayers for.  I will never forget the one entry   that was unsigned and said. “I don’t know what prayer is.  I only know that I need one.”   That touched me very much. 

Bondi suggests that prayer is a very ordinary activity that deals with very ordinary things.  She says that while doing things like reading a book or doing a crossword puzzle are not in and of themselves “prayer”, that they could be done prayerfully.  She suggests setting a timer for 5 minutes (or 10 or however many or few you want).  Sit down in a comfortable chair or rocker – ask God (or whatever term you use for mystery/divinity/etc.) to be with you as you read or do a crossword puzzle, watch the birds or just sit still.  When the timer goes off, say “thank you” to whomever you have asked to be with you.  Be patient she says.  It may take 10 years of sitting like this to feel like you have connected with mystery/god/the universe.  God has lots of time!  She also says that we don’t or shouldn’t become different people when we pray.  We simply bring our whole real self and our attention and intention to the act of prayer. 

I could do that!

Here is a poem I wrote recently while sitting alone in the church sanctuary one afternoon;

A QUIET AMEN

I sit in the silent sanctuary

unlit candles as holy as ever,

choir stoles hung on their hooks,

the piano closed up.

Late afternoon sun shines

through colored glass.

No hallelujahs.

What makes a place sacred?

sound AND silence,

the intention of all who enter.

Amen