Friday, November 6, 2009

Words and Forms of Prayer


I am currently taking a 2 day prayer module class at my school (www.mhgs.edu). I am still in the midst of reflecting on what the last 24 hours has revealed in me. I am grateful for this classes' timing, despite the papers that need to be written, articles/books that beckon my eyes, or the the friends and family that deserve my attention. This open conversation of how we communicate with God (both speaking and listening) has encouraged me to think outside the box and step out in faith. Siah תלונה is the Hebrew word for complaint. I have been reading Psalms and how the words of lament are so near to my heart. So many times we approach God with a complaint and quickly attempt to resolve the chaos. I want to be authentic with God and be with him in it all - the mixed responses of numbness, anxiety, joy, suffering, pride, wondering, loneliness...sometimes we pray and have no words. Have you ever thought that a grunt, groan, or moan as a form of prayer? Psalm 77:3 "I remember you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit inquired." Yesterday's class we were encouraged to write our own Psalm, to express our heart in regards to a situation or frustration in our life. I thought I would share what I was compelled to write:
My God, my God. My heart is a raging sea. Why do you allow the suffering? Where are you interceeding on the behalf of the abused, the drug addicted, the helpless? I am full of rage at why your people continue to choose war. Where are you God? Why does it seem so helpless when I walk by and see your people consumed with hurt and suffering?

No comments:

About This Blog

A place for...
Reflection Expression Invitation Creativity Inspiration Connection

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares."

~Henri Nouwen