S1E7: Let's Pray!: How to Pray and Why

Welcoming God

Prayer transforms our spiritual journey from transactional requests to authentic divine communion. Whether you've prayed your entire life or struggle to understand what prayer means, this episode offers fresh perspectives on connecting with the God through prayer.
The foundation of meaningful prayer isn't found in perfect words or formulas but in genuine intention. We explore various approaches—from traditional petitionary prayer to contemplative sitting with God—and examine what makes each practice powerful. Many of us unconsciously default to treating prayer as a spiritual to-do list or desperate bargaining tool when life gets difficult. But what happens when we shift our perspective?
The concept of "the perfect prayer" offers a revolutionary approach: "God, may your perfect will be done for the greater good of all." This simple phrase releases us from the burden of knowing what's best and opens us to divine wisdom beyond our limited understanding. It requires courage to surrender our agenda and trust in something greater, but through this surrender we can experience profound freedom and peace.
Christian contemplative traditions offer another pathway through practices like centering prayer, where we simply sit in God's presence without agenda, consenting to God's divine presence within us. This form of prayer creates space for transformation that goes beyond words and concepts. Even brief moments of intentional connection can profoundly impact our spiritual journey.
This week, consider your true intention when you pray. Is it to get what you want, or to align with divine will? Choose one prayer practice that resonates with you and commit to it daily. Your spiritual journey deepens not through perfection but through consistent, authentic connection with the divine presence that holds us all.

Music by Song Channel Music. Listen at SongChannelMusic.com

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Listen to MC Hammer's song, Pray, here.

Keith Kristich at Closer Than Breath, a "contemplative community for the spiritual seeker."

Richard Rohr and the Center for Action and Contemplation.

Living the Sacred Yes, Affirmations for Action by Rev. Deborah L. Johnson, pg. 100-101.

Love poems from God by Daniel Ladinsky, pg. 287-288.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Prayer (00:00:00)

2. Different Ways of Prayer (00:05:20)

3. The Perfect Prayer (00:09:05)

4. Surrendering to God's Will (00:14:20)

5. Christian Contemplative Prayer (00:19:33)

6. Weekly Practice and Prayer Poems (00:26:16)