Mindful Mondays are going to be for things that we may do or may not do out of habit...those that we don't really think about, but perhaps should. Today, I'd like to talk about something very simple - prayer!
In a public setting - whether that be church, a family gathering, or at a restaurant - why do you think we bow our heads, close our eyes, and fold our hands when we pray? Even though God does not say that we must pray this way, it is the understood way we (should) conduct ourselves when praying with others. Why is this?
Bowing our heads, closing our eyes, and folding our hands:
- keeps us from getting distracted by the 101 things going on around us (because unfortunately, most people do not reverence prayer the way God wishes they would!)
- shows reverence for the prayer we are saying or listening to
- helps us focus on what we are saying or what is being said in the prayer
- keeps us from fidgeting with our clothes, whispering to our neighbor, etc
When you pray alone, these things do not really apply (though you might find them helpful in focusing properly!). However, in a group setting, maintaining reverence and concentration shows those around us that we recognize how sacred prayer is. If we have a habit of looking around, closing up our Bibles and checking our phones, or finishing up our story to our friend during the prayer, these types of actions only show how little we care about talking to God.
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Bible Reading: Proverbs 22
Its's nice to continue talking about prayer since Pastor just preached such a good message on it!! Prayer is something we all need to take more seriously
ReplyDeleteWhat a timely devotion! I have noticed this more here lately and pray God will help each of us remember that prayer is such a sacred, precious privilege. May we not treat it irreverently.
ReplyDeleteIt amazed me once again how God orchestrated the timing of Pastor's sermon with our blog. I had planned this topic for today without knowing he was going to preach on prayer. God is awesome!
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