A Prayer Partnership: what to give and what to gain?
This week we’re looking at how having a prayer partner contributes to living a Prayerful Life.
Yesterday, I listed the 4 powers I see coming from partnering with someone for the purpose of praying. Today let’s look at what you can contribute to your partnership with a praying friend and at what you will gain from the partnership. And certainly I won’t list every give or every gain. Feel free to comment and add to either list! Or both lists!
What can you give to a prayer partnership?
- Time. A prayer partnership works best when it works on a regular schedule. Of course, I think every day is best. You and your partner may be able to meet (that may be over the phone) only once a week. Whatever, whenever you’re arrangement, commit to a set amount of time at a regular time and you’ll begin to anticipate that time most eagerly.
- Energy. Approach your prayer partner and the meeting with great energy. If you’re tired, take a few deep breaths. If you’re rattled or scattered or not feeling grounded, make a few moments free beforehand. Allow your mind to settle by relaxing your body: deep breaths, relaxed facial muscles, feet on and flowing into the floor…
- Attention. When your prayer meeting starts, encourage your mind to let go of all its previous thoughts. You may wish to softly tell yourself, “Let it go.” or such. Allow your mind to settle into sharp attention to what your partner will share with you as her/his reasons for praying this day. IOW, let yourself listen with your ears and your mind and, most of all, your heart.
Not so hard, eh? Now look at what a prayer partnership can give you, in return:
- Comfort. Sharing whatever is on our minds, in our hearts gives us comfort. Receiving the same kind of sharing from a friend also comforts us. (Doing a favor is a powerful anti-depressant!) And please keep in mind that praying about “good” is every bit as valid as praying to fill needs or solve problems.
- Inspiration. Looking forward to praying with someone else, for someone else–and to their praying with/for you–is a heavenly pull, an inspiration. Even before the praying begins, we experience the desire to connect with our partner and with God through the creative communication.
- Grounding. Prayer partners have told me most often the feel “lighter” after we pray together. Interestingly, I believe that feeling of lightness reflects their being more grounded, more complete, more “OK” around whatever we have prayed about. And again, please remember, that this applies as much to prayers of praise and love and gratitude as to any other sort.
Like I said at the start, these are incomplete lists. I hope you will add your comments and share what you believe one can give to a prayer partnership…and gain from that partnership.
’til tomorrow….
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