As I shared earlier this month, I’ve decided to give up prayer for Lent.
Okay, maybe not all prayer, but lengthy prayers in my personal time with God because I realize how mindless, increasingly unspecific, and unattentive in my prayer life.
That’s why I’m giving up prayer for Lent. Or at least long prayers. I’m committed to only offering God three word prayers.
Since I began this journey, I’ve found myself becoming more focused in prayer life, more sensitive to God’s presence, and more aware of my dependence.
But over the last week something new has been happening and I didn’t notice it at first.
When Lent began, I struggled to pray three word prayers. I’d count words. Oops! And realized I’d added a fourth or fifth. As the days rolled into weeks, three word prayers became more natural. But now I’m finding that my prayers are becoming one word. Not out of force or effort but this natural expression to God.
This morning I’ve been praying some friends who are facing a challenge in their relationship. I know they’re talking about the issue sometime today diving into the messiness of hurt, pain, and miscommunication all with a hope of healing and restoration. My prayers for them began as three words. But slowly rolled into two then one. Heal. Restore. Reconcile. Understanding. Compassion. Grace. With each word, I naturally pause as the fullness of the word is heartfelt and passionate yet peaceful.
The single word is a petition, a request, a prayer. One that I offer with the full confidence that God hears and that God will answer.
My prayer life is far more simple than it’s ever been yet somehow feels more effective, more intentional, more potent.
What have you been learning during this season of Lent? And is there anything I can pray for you for?
Image from here.
