Prayer, Pt. 2

A wise Jesuit told me that prayer is allowing God to love you. Of course, I have to note that as a Calvinist I know that God loves us regardless of what we allow (I’m confident that the Catholics agree with this too). But, this priest’s sentiment was well taken: through prayer we create the enabling conditions to experience God’s love for us in tangible ways.

When we set aside time for prayer we’re setting the table for time with God. Sometimes the table is set with fresh flowers, pressed napkins, and the finest silver. Other times, just coming to the table wearily (and maybe a little skeptical) is the best we can do. God’s love for you is constant, but often unnoticed; spending time in prayer gives you a glimmer of the vastness of this love.

How can you create the enabling conditions to experience God’s love for you?

This past Saturday, I went on a short overnight retreat at the Hermitage at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. My life has been hectic, so I didn’t come with much of a plan. I brought gratitude and curiosities. I brought my Bible, journal, and all about love by bell hooks (my other “Bible”). I read on the porch overlooking the monastery gardens as I tried to quiet the outside world and find some stillness. I was curious to see what God might do with this time.

I noticed that my body caught up with my mind and spirit as I watched my resting heart rate sink to a level that I usually only reach when asleep. Creating room for God’s presence physically slowed my body. I felt new senses of clarity and peace; I scribbled thoughts across pages in my journal. The most important lesson I’m taking from the weekend, however, is what opened in me by slowing down to notice God’s movement. In slowing down, I created the enabling conditions to feel God’s peace in my body. I am certainly better for it.

How can you create the enabling conditions to experience God’s love for you?

Text copyright © 2023 Grace Woodward. All rights reserved.