Starting in September 2007, I began writing a monthly letter about prayer to be published either in the Endeavorer or as an insert to the Grove Reformed Church Sunday bulletin. Since the Bible tells us there’s nothing new under the sun and most of us have been praying all our lives, what’s to tell and why am I the one telling it? Well, to answer the second question first, I’m Grove’s (ahem) Prayer Coordinator. Don’t let the title and capital letters fool or impress you—-I’m not a prayer expert.
But, oh, how I long to be!
The thought of communicating with the Creator of the universe knocks me flat! Not just to “pray,” but to praise, beg, question, worship, pour out my heart, plead, cry, rejoice, share my day, complain, laugh and wonder. This enthusiasm for prayer is what I offer you, plus the resources that come from that enthusiasm.
Pray without ceasing we’re told—but when is it prayer and when is it “us talking to us,” or holy noise as Thomas Merton called it? It’s a good question. When we’re little, clasped hands begin, while Amen ends to define the perimeters of prayer. As adults it isn’t nearly as clear. So, you’ll be reading more questions than answers, but it’s in the searching that we find out about ourselves, our world and, above all, about God.
Questions, quotes to ponder, prompts to help you look at your faith and prayer in a slightly different way will be part of these letters, as well as suggestions on how to practice new ways of thinking and praying. For now, let’s take our name, The POP Corner (thank you, Pastor Shepler, it tickled me from the start). One way to practice being a “person of prayer” (POP) is to send “popcorn” or flash prayers or blessings to friends, relatives, or strangers. You’re checking out at the supermarket and the cashier looks unhappy; silently pop a prayer or blessing that God will hear her need; you hear a giggly child and pop a prayer for safety; a man looks down and out, send a pop prayer that he has that mustard seed of faith to give him strength.
Popcorn prayers, especially for strangers, are completely unselfish and un-self-centered. You have no stake in the outcome, you will probably never see the person again, but you give them your blessing, and at the same time you wish them God’s blessing. You can even do this with places or groups. I’ve prayed on bus rides for the folks living in a dilapidated house, for workers in a factory who are in debt, for honesty in office buildings, for churches to have full pews come Sunday morning. Praying specifically feels wonderful and stretches your compassion. Those kernels of love shooting out in all directions can bring a smile to your face—and who knows—may make God smile, too.
