Foundation and Fountain

In the Presbyterian Handbook, there is a section on “How to Pray.” This handbook was written particularly for folks new to the faith. However, when I first read it, the straightforward simplicity was refreshing. Allow me to share:

“Prayer is intimate communication with God and can be used before a meal, at bedtime, during a worship service, or any time the need or opportunity arises. Silent and spoken prayers are both okay and may be used liberally throughout the day. Prayer is also taking time to listen to what God is saying to us.”

The author further reminds us that while there is no official posture for prayer, in the Bible people pray standing, sitting, laying down, and even at times face down. Others prefer to pray on bended knees. Furthermore, the handbook reminds us that when we pray, our surroundings matter. We may want to consider finding a quiet place or lighting a candle.

The unwritten point is that prayer should be a central and important part of our lives. God desires to be in communion with us. May you and I be the kind of people for whom prayer is the foundation and fountain of life.

Our prayer today has been handed down to us across the centuries. It is attributed to St. Benedict from the 6th Century. Let us pray:

O gracious and holy God,
Give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, 
and patience to wait for you.

Grant us, O God,
a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you; ears to listen for your word;
a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; 
through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.