I really enjoyed your reasoning for the value of pre-written prayers. I've never thought about the fact that they sort of "level the playing field" of praying in public, but I think that's right.
I grew up Pentecostal, and you better believe there wasn't a pre-written prayer (aside from the Lord's Prayer, which even though I don't remember reciting regularly, I somehow memorized in traditional form) within a mile of our church!
But now I use the Book of Common Prayer at least twice a day, and I love it! In general, I've found a lot of richness in the traditions and liturgies that I am only now learning about as an adult.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Keith! My overall thought is just there are ways that we can all stretch ourselves and grow our prayer lives. Grateful to hear you were already doing that.
I first felt the presence of God when saying the Lord’s Prayer so I tend to say that every day - I like it to start or if I only have a minute. It’s very interesting what you say about the differences with men. When I first got saved I printed out some old traditional prayers to say Grace at the dinner table but then when I’d visit Christian friends I felt I was doing it wrong by not improvising. But the one time I improvised my husband, (not a believer then!) made some comment that put me off completely and I totally abandoned all Grace saying. Your article has inspired me to start again with the written prayers. Thanks so much!!
Thanks so much for reading, Kate. It can be interesting, and sometimes confusing, navigating how different believers pray. Glad to hear the post was an encouragement to you!
Great POV. I’d have to agree with you!! The rise in popularity of liturgies has helped me realize the benefits of both improvised and spontaneous prayer. Also Donald Whitney’s book, “Praying the Bible.”
Thank you, Rosa. I'm glad you mentioned Donald Whitney. I read his "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" about a year ago and have quoted him a couple times in other posts. I think you've motivated me to move "Praying the Bible" to the top of my reading list.
I began as an evangelical, even progressed through seminary, but at the end of my days, I’ve become Roman Catholic.
Prayer is difficult because our adversary doesn’t like it. Because it’s difficult to begin when not in crisis, I start with Our Father, Hail Mary, and prayer to San Miguel. If I’ve made it that far, I bring unique requests to God.
I’m really turned off by Protestant pastoral prayers because they’re preachy and rarely targeted at the God Most High.
Thanks for responding. I still go to a Protestant church and wouldn’t personally paint another tradition’s pastoral prayers all with the same brush. But I do see value in liturgical and recited prayer that I overlooked ten years ago.
I really enjoyed your reasoning for the value of pre-written prayers. I've never thought about the fact that they sort of "level the playing field" of praying in public, but I think that's right.
I grew up Pentecostal, and you better believe there wasn't a pre-written prayer (aside from the Lord's Prayer, which even though I don't remember reciting regularly, I somehow memorized in traditional form) within a mile of our church!
But now I use the Book of Common Prayer at least twice a day, and I love it! In general, I've found a lot of richness in the traditions and liturgies that I am only now learning about as an adult.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Keith! My overall thought is just there are ways that we can all stretch ourselves and grow our prayer lives. Grateful to hear you were already doing that.
I first felt the presence of God when saying the Lord’s Prayer so I tend to say that every day - I like it to start or if I only have a minute. It’s very interesting what you say about the differences with men. When I first got saved I printed out some old traditional prayers to say Grace at the dinner table but then when I’d visit Christian friends I felt I was doing it wrong by not improvising. But the one time I improvised my husband, (not a believer then!) made some comment that put me off completely and I totally abandoned all Grace saying. Your article has inspired me to start again with the written prayers. Thanks so much!!
Thanks so much for reading, Kate. It can be interesting, and sometimes confusing, navigating how different believers pray. Glad to hear the post was an encouragement to you!
Great POV. I’d have to agree with you!! The rise in popularity of liturgies has helped me realize the benefits of both improvised and spontaneous prayer. Also Donald Whitney’s book, “Praying the Bible.”
Thank you, Rosa. I'm glad you mentioned Donald Whitney. I read his "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" about a year ago and have quoted him a couple times in other posts. I think you've motivated me to move "Praying the Bible" to the top of my reading list.
I began as an evangelical, even progressed through seminary, but at the end of my days, I’ve become Roman Catholic.
Prayer is difficult because our adversary doesn’t like it. Because it’s difficult to begin when not in crisis, I start with Our Father, Hail Mary, and prayer to San Miguel. If I’ve made it that far, I bring unique requests to God.
I’m really turned off by Protestant pastoral prayers because they’re preachy and rarely targeted at the God Most High.
Your mileage may vary.
Thanks for responding. I still go to a Protestant church and wouldn’t personally paint another tradition’s pastoral prayers all with the same brush. But I do see value in liturgical and recited prayer that I overlooked ten years ago.