Comments on: Living in Process: VI-16 Prayer: Who Would You Have Me Become?

By: Robert Brizee

Robert Brizee — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:08:21 +0000

Dear Rita:
Thanks for your comments. I recall fondly several of us leading the prayer class in our church. To offer my ideas about your questions: I think the persuasion (invitations)take place in each tenth of a second of our lives. We are aware of only a minute number of these. Often we receive a message without knowing who is the messenger. When we are most consciously open and receptive is when the heightened forms of persuasion occur.
It is challenging to think of God as both friend and companion and the web of the universe. Perhaps when we ask of God the difference is that we are addressing One who is related to the entire universe, thus we might expect responses which reflect that universal awareness and involvement. Most of my friends have a limited perspective.
I join you in considering trust the basic approach. If I were in fact continually asking, “Who would You have me become in this unfolding moment?” I would become more compulsive than I already am. I think we need to trust in God, open ourselves to God, and rest in God’s arms. The more we do so, the more we will naturally and simply be receptive. I know that this reflects who you are!
I do wish to affirm the person of God. I consider God’s being personal with each of us is the amazing, mysterious aspect of process thought. At the same time I think God desires for us to be utterly focused and involved in where we are, with whom we are, and with what we are doing.
With great admiration and respect for who you are and what you do, Grace and Peace, BOB

By: Rita Clark

Rita Clark — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:04:41 +0000

Bob, I’v been thinking a lot about prayer lately, and your writing on the topic leads me to more questions; e.g., If you say God persuades, God accepts, WHERE does this persuasion and acceptance take place? If God is friend and companion, where does that imagining lead us — to think of God as someone like me, like my other friends and companions? Instead of asking what God would have me do in a particular situation (which again sounds too much like asking some person) why not simply trust that God will come to expression in you in every moment if you open your heart to this? I think our prayer gets too hung up on the PERSONal side,

By: James Moore

James Moore — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:35:15 +0000

I’m a Presbyterian minister who often senses the “flatness” or “foreshortening” of prayer. And all of that, while being aware of its immense “depth.” Thanks for your words. I’m currently leading a Sunday school class which is looking at some Christian mystics in church history. (We started with the apostle Paul; we’re now looking at Hildegard of Bingen.)
I especially appreciate the comments on the rich variety of worldviews that have been, and still are, present.

By: Larry

Larry — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:37:11 +0000

Many Thanks for sharing your honest and sincere desire to pray with integrity. You have helped me to continue and have shared helpful hints. My most difficult is in leading in a group prayer. My most constant desire is surrendering to the presence of god and letting flow what will for this particular situation. It was extremely enlightening and stimulating to hear of expressing empathy for God. Thanks again.
Larry

By: Lee Crawford

Lee Crawford — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:21:46 +0000

I continue to struggle with the meaning and content of prayer. Your account of your struggle and the ways you have found meaning in prayer are very helpful. Thanks. The prayers from Dancing with the Divine are very beautiful. Lee