Two-Way Prayer

The key to a rich Christian life is connecting with God.  Some people sense God’s presence with them most of the time.  Others have great difficulty feeling that God is present to and with them.  

Two-way prayer is a very simple way to connect with God.  It doesn’t take a lot of time and it can be very rewarding, especially if practiced on a regular basis.  All you need is a quiet space, a pen or pencil, and your journal or other surface on which to write.  You can type, but generally typing puts us up into our heads. When we pick up a pen and allow God to direct, it is often more helpful.  Also, when using devices, we can subject ourselves to distractions.

The instructions for this type of prayer are very easy.

• Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed

• Turn off devices and move away from other potential distractions.

• Take a few minutes to sit calmly and let your mind settle.  This practice can also be combined with Centering Prayer.

• At the top of your page, write “Lord, what do you want to share with me today?”

• Sit for a while to allow God to “speak” and then pick up you pen and start writing whatever comes to you.  It might sound weird but allow God to take the pen.  Don’t worry about grammar or even writing full sentences.  Just relax and see what comes.  You need not share this with anybody.

• You’ll know when to stop.

• Take some time to read over what you’ve written.  Sometimes you might realize that there is more to be written.

• Be patient with yourself.  This process doesn’t always work the first few times, but as you get used to it, you’ll be amazed!