On Prayer

Praying without ceasing.

In my own mind I often think of this as a mantra. Simply put, my thoughts lack sufficient creativity or individualism to be more than a little litany recanted. Requests are obvious. They guide and shape my thoughts which mold my deeds.

These actions when deliberate and repeated become my habits.

My habits are the strategy in this my daily war. It's not so hard to see the continuous assault on the senses that is my life as battle. From these I can only call my thoughts as pawns and bishops. They race quickly to the fray and often times slide in new directions, moving so fast they are almost of their own motivation.

My gift, discernment, the speed of thoughts intensified beyond normalcy until I find it painful to crawl within the crudely fashioned language of the normal folk.

So here is why the mantra is so vital. Praying stills my thoughts. It helps my mind to juggle and play the left-handed swordsman. It's a poor substitute for true combat but keeps my troops training sharply. And it is His will. Therefore it is my hearts desire.

So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
-- 1 Corinthians 14:15

In each day I face struggles of intellect and emotion. Prayer is the means provided me by my Father to turn this into something more than a struggle. It becomes an exercise in service, and a treasured way to open my heart and conform my will to His.