How To Pray

For 6 weeks this summer, I will be completing an online course with the Woodbrooke Quaker studies centre, called ‘How To Pray’.  It will be led by Quaker theologian Mark Russ, and give us a space to learn, and practice, new and different ways of prayer.

It may seem a little silly, for a Christian, to need a course about something as simple as prayer.

But prayer is rarely as simple as we like to think of it - it’s often a case of looking within, illuminating the darkness, and bringing new light.  It can be hard, refreshing, something that brings us together - and something just between us and our God.  It also offers room - room for contemplation and insight and guidance.  Just having room, spaciousness, is extremely valuable to us - a spaciousness that allows us to look at the world afresh and new. 

Personally - I’m a big fan of the practice of lectio divina, which, for me, bridges the thinking and spiritual.  The contemplation of scripture allows me to usefully engage my brain, but the practice of prayer allows me to lovingly have a conversation with God.  Combined - the practice leaves me feeling closer to God.

In more casual moments, I just talk to God - whether that be a conversation of words, or if words don’t come easily - feelings.

I hope you can find something, be it prayer or something else, that gives you room to breathe this week.

from Ellen Cross, DBE Administrator