In my intro into literature class this past week we read a poem entitled “Prayer” written by Mary Oliver. I have to say this is poem has been my one of favorites. The poem is not long, it’s very simple, yet it’s extremely powerful!
I work with many youth groups. One thing that the youth struggle with the most is understanding prayer. They’re not sure how to pray, if it works, and what it’s really all about. When I was growing up people gave numerous ways how I should pray. I couldn’t decide on which version was best. I believe the Christian community has gotten caught in the ‘how to’. It seems we aren’t focused enough of the ‘doing’ and don’t truly realize the meaningfulness and the power behind prayer. And if my accusation is incorrect, I know for a fact we haven’t communicated the importance of prayer to younger generations. Which make me wonder if the generations before me understood it at all.
I love this poem because it devours the confusion associated with prayer and exemplifies the honesty and simplicity of it. The poem show how prayer isn’t about using extravagant words, sounding holy, or competing, “… patch a few words together and don’t try to make them elaborate, this isn’t a contest…” It’s such a simply line, yet it’s immensely powerful!
Moving on, the poem continues and show’s the reader to give thanks. I myself often forget how blessed I am. I didn’t have to be born in this country or have the life I have been given. For the simply fact I am on American soil gives me thousands of reason why I should be thankful. Oliver also touches on a subject that I have failed to remember; being silent. People wonder why they can’t hear/feel God, I say maybe it’s because we aren’t silent. “…this isn’t a contest but t he doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak.”
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I think prayer should be more simplistic and not unnecessarily flashy
ReplyDeleteJust talk to God like he is a person
ReplyDeleteI found what you said about people focusing to much on the "doing" aspect of prayer to highly to be very insightful. I find in my own prayer life sometimes I am praying simply because I want to maintain a prayer life and communion with God. It is good to be reminded that prayer done just because isn't a real connection and that in order to have real communion with God there must be substance to the prayer. Even if just listening in silence, it is important that all people examine their prayer life to make sure they bring all of themselves to prayer to avoid a routine.
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