Reflections on Prayer and Practice
Rev. Erik Swanson
March 23, 2025
During this season of Lent, prayer remains central to deepening our spiritual lives. The instability of our world makes it even more essential to cultivate practices that ground and center us. Across spiritual traditions, prayer and meditation serve as vital tools to connect with the Divine. If we aim to see the world through the lens of the Spirit, we must first engage in prayer to foster that connection. Prayer helps us focus beyond fear and chaos, keeping us anchored in our Source, our Wellspring of life, and the Eternal One. When times are difficult, rather than turning away from God in frustration, we are called to strengthen our connection and find stability in faith.
Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer
Jesus’ teachings on prayer, as seen in the Luke 11 verses 1-13 Gospel passage, offer both guidance and encouragement. He lays out the foundation of what became the Lord’s Prayer—honoring God’s name, seeking the realization of God’s reign, asking for daily sustenance, practicing forgiveness, and seeking protection from trials. These basic but powerful elements can transform us if we engage with them sincerely, rather than reciting them mechanically. Jesus also emphasizes persistence in prayer, reassuring us that God desires to give good gifts to those who seek Him. These teachings invite us to deepen our prayer life, listening anew to what Jesus is truly offering.
Seeking Connection with God
The contemplative tradition across history—desert mothers and fathers, monastic orders, mystics, and saints—has always been about seeking direct connection with God, not just thinking about God. In the Western world, we often prioritize intellectual understanding of theology, sometimes neglecting the deeper experiential aspects of prayer. Rather than merely analyzing Jesus’ words, we should be practicing them, immersing ourselves in prayerful connection. Lent offers an opportunity to recommit to our prayer lives, not just for the season but as a lifelong pursuit.
Encouragement and Propelling Us Forward
Encouragement in prayer is crucial, especially when we experience tangible spiritual growth. A recent text from a participant in a Lenten study group highlighted the transformative power of mantra prayer. Such moments should be seen as new beginnings, not endpoints. When we encounter peace or the presence of God, it should propel us forward to deeper spiritual engagement. The question is: Are we willing to commit to the next level in our spiritual journey?
Self-awareness in Prayer
A key practice in deepening prayer is self-awareness. Observing how we respond internally when we pray—our emotions, reactions, resistances, and moments of connection—can provide insight. Prayer styles also evolve, and what once nourished us may become dry over time. There is value in perseverance, but also in exploring different methods of prayer when needed. Adjusting our approach can rekindle spiritual vitality.
Shifting the Origination of Our Prayers
Additionally, considering where our prayers originate—whether from the mind, heart, or core—can shape our experience. Shifting prayer from the head to the heart or core can lead to new depths of connection. Being attentive to these shifts allows us to become true students of prayer, exploring new avenues for divine connection.
Discernment: Listening, Seeking and Noticing
Discernment in prayer is also vital. Not every voice we perceive as divine is truly from God. Misinterpretations can lead us astray, emphasizing the importance of spiritual wisdom in distinguishing God’s voice from other influences.
As Lent continues, let us dedicate ourselves to deeper prayer and meditation. By setting aside time to listen, seek, and notice what unfolds within us, we may find ourselves continuously embraced by the Holy—not just in moments of prayer, but in every moment of our lives. Amen.