It
was fun! I learned a lot about my reading style and preferences (I don't like
graphic novels, La Princesse de Clèves was over-rated, I enjoy poetry, etc.)
And it led to some amazing discussions with friends about our shared enjoyment
of reading. These discussions have continued; it was like the fun 'challenge'
opened the door to any type of literary chat.
While
I am a voracious reader, before this challenge I was not one to expand my
horizons very much. I knew what I liked, and why, and I didn't stray very much.
This helped me to realise that I benefitted from being encouraged to expand my
horizons: to try something new, to go outside my comfort zone, and to be OK
with not liking everything. My willingness to go beyond my existing boundaries
led to an increased experience of reading.
The
same is true with prayer. In my early days of spiritual formation, I was
invited to find a format of prayer that 'worked' for me, and to stick with it.
Which I've done! And it's lovely: my prayer practice informs and supports my
ministry, it grounds me, it enriches everything I do through my connection with
God.
Part
of my spiritual journey has also been going beyond the norm: trying something
new, being open to new practices, a willingness to change, a commitment to
respond to the Spirit's call through a variety of new styles of prayer. Not all
of them are a good fit for me, and there are times I need to re-visit prayer
styles as I engage in different stages of my life and ministry. But I continue
to try; and I continue to be amazed at God's voice speaking to me in delightful
and unexpected ways.
This
week, we are all being invited to make a journey in prayer, through the
"Thy Kingdom Come" initiative - a global and ecumenical wave of
prayer begun by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. For 10 days (from the
Ascension through Pentecost) Christians are embracing prayer with a particular intentionality;
and it's a party that everyone is invited to.
Whether
you are joining a large group in an outdoor venue, or a small group in your
church, or sitting with your family around a table, I hope that you pray: maybe
you'll embrace a new practice, or share with your church how God is speaking in
your heart when your prayers follow the same format they have for years. The
world can only benefit from more prayer; let's be the ones to pray it.
For more information about "Thy Kingdom
Come" please visit www.thykingdomcome.global
For more information about how to pray,
please visit www.anglicanprayer.org
No comments:
Post a Comment