I challenged you all to do is to take a least one minute of every day to pray.
If you have never done a prayer devotion or don't even know what a prayer devotion is, read on. Prayer. The first and last way we contact to the Almighty. The Great Creator, the one who spun the galaxies, the stars everything that was, is and will be is waiting to hear from you. Sounds daunting huh? "What would I say to God, how do I pray? Jesus taught his disciples with a form that is now known as the Lord's Prayer. We all know it, every Sunday and Eucharistic Feast has it within its rites. If you don't have a Book of Common Prayer around, then use the Lord's Prayer, pray it through twice, the first for yourself and the second for those closest to you. If you do have a Book of Common Prayer, get it and turn to page 136. Go ahead, I wait. ... Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families. The following four devotions are the abridged way of following the ancient monastic cycle of prayer. First off. Don't do every devotion. Pick one and do it. Set aside time and thoughts for one minute and focus just on the devotion. The goal of this prayer exercise is to do it daily, not to do as many as you can. The strengthen is through repetition. The daily influence of God on you will have might results. If you have all you need to know, go forth pray mightily and serve God, if you think you might need just a bit more instruction, read on
The following four segments are offered to augment your understanding of how to pray the devotion.
In the Morning. A really good way to begin this devotion is to have "Open my lips, O Lord" be the first thing you say. If you have the prayer book next to your bed this is easy to do. If you are one of those more interested in the deep dark brew that lies in the kitchen first thing in the morning, have the devotion ready by your coffee maker. When following this devotion, really follow it. After the portion of Psalm 51, there is a reading from Peter's first letter. Read it out loud. Next there is silence. Keep the silence. Keep silent for as long as it takes for you to feel uncomfortable. That's ok. You are connecting with God. It is a little uncomfortable at first, but after forty days, you will yearn for it. If you are a musical person, sing your favorite hymn or canticle. If not just think about you favorite hymn or canticle. The Apostle's Creed is just like the Nicene Creed except it begins I believe instead of We believe. If you can't remember it fully, turn to back to page 120. Next is prayers. Now Ms. America has already prayed for sick kids everywhere and puppies and the like, so use this time to pray for things especially know to you. If your kids are sick, pray for them. If you are sick, pray for yourself. Be authentic in what you want from God. If you still can't think of anything to say, "Wow, you're God!" is adoration. You're really awesome!" is praise. "Thanks for (fill-in-the-blank)" is thanksgiving. "I'm sorry for (fill-in-the-blank)" is penitence. "For you O Lord" is oblation. "Help (fill-in-the-blank)" is intercession. "Help me" is petition. Those are the classic seven forms of prayers. Pick one or three and practice. The Lord's Prayer follows and end with the Collect.
At Noon. Either before lunch or after lunch. Pull out the old BCP and give prayers to God. If you feel comfortable enough pray the psalm and read the reading out loud. Next are prayers. If you don't know what to do here see end of above paragraph. Round it out with the Lord's Prayer and pick a collect. If you can't decide, use the first one.
In the Early Evening. As rubically directed you may use this before or after your evening meal. Don't worry about the Order of Worship for the Evening on page 109. Do this one, you can do that one next year. O gracious light and the reading from St. Paul's second letter to Corinth, read them out loud. Prayer as the spirit directs you, if you need help see the second half of the first paragraph. Round out with Lord's Prayer and Collect.
A the Close of Day. This devotion adds its strength if you do it right before you do to sleep. After the TV is off and the books are put away, take the BCP and read out loud. Psalm, reading, read the portion of Song of Simeon, it is a beautiful way to meet your God in rest. Pray as you feel the need. Lord's Prayer, Collect and the blessing at the end.
Good Job. Now, that you have tackled your first prayer devotion. Find a friend and share the experience with them. Make a convent between you both to share your pray experiences. Remember listen as much as you speak. Be honest, if you're bored or feel silly talk about it. If something powerful happens, experience it, but don't let it be the bar you set for every prayer devotion. Remember God only talked to Moses once from a blazing bush, not every time. Hearing the word of God truly is big enough without the need for pyrotechnics. Above all else, keep up your devotion but do not berate yourself you if you forget. Just begin again and ask God to the strength to keep prayer practice.
