The Journey of Prayer
Human beings are often left astounded by experiences that words cannot sufficiently express. Our constant struggle to understand these encounters with the ineffable forms an eternal narrative of human existence, and yes, of human suffering.
We feel a profound connection to the true reality of existence. Recognizing the unknown often predates our understanding of the known. With reason, we try to make sense of the world and fit it into our concepts. With wonder, we stand in awe before the inexplicable universe.
We don't doubt what we are directly aware of, such as our existence or our ability to see and hear. What we question is the accuracy of our perception, whether it truthfully reflects reality. Doubt, thus, is a mental activity. We see, form an opinion, and then start doubting. Doubt is essentially an appeal, a questioning of what we previously accepted as potentially true. One must first believe to be able to doubt. Hence, doubt cannot precede knowledge if we need to know before we can question.
Wonder precedes knowledge. Our ability to doubt and wonder amazes us. Doubt may cease, but wonder endures indefinitely. Rooted in a kind of knowledge where nothing is taken for granted, wonder is a state of heart. Spiritually, we can't subsist on borrowed or inherited knowledge. It's crucial to question our minds about what they know and take for granted.
Existence astounds us. Our deep-seated doubt can lead to profound despair. As Plato said, "Philosophy begins with wonder" (Theaetetus 155D). While doubts can be resolved, our sense of awe in the face of the divine mystery is indestructible.
The world offers no answers to our fundamental wonderment about God. This curiosity transcends any other human action. If we fail to continuously seek insight, we risk disconnecting from our existential roots.
The tree of knowledge and the tree of life share the same soil. Nature sometimes leaves the tree of knowledge barren, only with brilliant yet fruitless leaves. The tree of life, however, reminds us to embrace the mystery that our existence is linked to. Wonder isn't sufficient by itself, but it allows us to reside in our spiritual core. The visible world is a mere veil, and reason isn't the only driver of our minds.
There are moments when I wish the world could express its deepest fears. We serve as a beacon in the dark, representing more than just a path—it’s a recognition of the divine and the acknowledgement of something objective that surpasses comprehension.
Our unique perception of things isn't solely about what we perceive, but how we perceive it. Our profound amazement resonates with the mystery but doesn't create it. Humans haven't invented the magnificence of the sky or the mystery of life and death. We merely encounter the ineffable; we don’t create it.
Divine revelation exposes the mind to a reality beyond and higher than the universe. Where we begin to ponder the Kingdom of Heaven. Merely being aware of this reality is more valuable than our existence. The divine presence may be resisted, but never refuted. Ultimately, faith becomes the only path.
A devout life of prayer doesn't originate from a feeling for the mystery of life or a sense of awe, wonder, or fear. Rather, it's rooted in pondering what to do with these experiences. In this journey, we understand that everything we have is a blessing. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift," II Corinthians 9:15.
All living beings, be they plants or animals, will die when detached from their life source, a harsh reality of our fallen world. Similarly, when the human spirit is disconnected from God, goodness transforms into evil and order descends into chaos. What keeps our inner life intact?
In our distracted world, keeping one's heart open to the unseen reality of God is crucial for understanding what's closer to us than we have dared to imagine. Without striving for the highest, we risk being diminished. And that is where we are tempted to leave it.
Prayer connects us to the "highest". It connects us with God. When we pray, we don't disengage from the world; instead, we perceive it differently. The ego is not the center of the universe; it's merely a part of the great cycle of life. Prayer shifts our focus from self-need to self-surrender, with God as the center. Prayer cultivates holy aspirations, instilling faith, vision, and ideals. It serves as the cornerstone of spiritual living, reviving us when justice devolves into cruelty and righteousness into hypocrisy.
Certain things in life, like prayer and obedience, are irreplaceable. Prayer is a manner of walking with God that provides light, dispelling shadows of envy, fear, despair, anger, and grief that often cloud the heart. It illuminates not just the path before us, but also within us.
Prayer is not just a monologue; it's a dialogue with God. It is not a conversation between two people; rather, we make ourselves open to Him. It's an expression of our innermost self, a sharing of the heart's outpouring. Prayer is not merely about knowing God, but also being known by Him.
Prayer doesn't end; it sustains our spiritual life. Our deep desire is for God to be near us, to enter our lives. The aim of prayer is not only to know Him but to be known and understood by Him.
Prayer makes us part of His divine concern. Over the years, I have been earnestly seeking knowledge about God. Now, I yearn to be an object of His knowledge and concern. We have to think about that for a little bit and then maybe some more.
In the end, to live before God, to become a thought of His—this is the ultimate aspiration of humanity. We truly live when God resides in our lives. In the words of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, "Grant us grace, Almighty Father, so to pray as to deserve to be heard."
(Adapted from the introduction to the Prayer Enrichment Seminar Study Guide by Albert Lemmons.)
Reflection Questions
How have feelings of wonder or uncertainty prompted you to deeper faith or led you to spend more time in prayer? Can you share an instance where these feelings brought you closer to God?
How do you view your prayers: as a one-way conversation, a two-way dialogue, or a sincere heart's desire to connect with God? How does this viewpoint shape your relationship with our Lord?
In what ways has prayer guided you through worldly temptations or trials? Can you recall times when prayer significantly impacted your spiritual growth or shifted your perspective towards a Christ-centered worldview?