Phenomenology of Prayer 2

Audrey Jolly

 

Phenomenology of Prayer 2

 

 

Sacred communication consists of prayer, meditation, and contemplation.  In order to be able to enter into a dialogue with God, one must enter a state of kenosis, or emptying, of oneself.  It can be hard to do this sometimes, since it is human nature to be naturally ego centric.  For example, when God was calling Samuel, he was open to receiving it, and entered into a personal dialogue with Him, which resulted in some truly spiritual growth for Samuel.  Prayer is very powerful, and even if you feel like God isn't there or he isn't listening or he doesn't care, that's not true.  Prayers only become more powerful if there is faith behind it, because if there is only faith the size of a mustard seed, mountains will still be moved. 
Meditation and contemplation is also essential to ensure spiritual growth.  Every day, I like to take at least a minute to relax, unwind, and let my thoughts wander away from the marketplace.  It really helps to de-stress, and get my mind focused on things.  It also allows me to open up to anything God may be trying to tell me.  I pray to Him all the time, and its important to be ready to receive an answer.  The most important thing to remember is that we are not on our own time, but God's time.  He will answer us when He feels like we are ready.  And meditation and silence and contemplation will help one become spiritually ready for a dialogue with God.