An Adventure in Prayer: A Challenge to Pray Faithfully

Presbyterian theologian Ben Johnson invited us to experiment with prayer in his grat little book, "An Adventure in Prayer." Johnson claimed that in 30 days "you will become aware of God at a depth you've never known before." He relates how the experiment changed him - from dull living to a transformed person with new insight and feeling. He began by praying according to a pattern outlined by Dr. Robin Wainwright, professor of evangelism at Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. This pattern praying for a few minutes morning and night in a quiet place. He didn't repeat a specific prayer, line for line, but used a prayer pattern - steps around which to weave his own thoughts and feelings as an offering to God.

Johnson discussed the benefits he gradually perceived from as he stayed faithful to this pattern of prayer. His attitude about life improved and he found himself expectant and observantly looking for God's work in his life. His awareness of God's presence increased, both during prayer time and in daily life. Johnson found that he listened compassionately to others and "strange providences of God began occurring in which [God] made me aware of persons he sent my way, persons for whom he wanted me to pray and to share a word of hope ..and there were those 'sychronistic events' usually labeled as 'coincidence,'.. but are seen as answers to prayer by the eyes of faith."

Ben Johnson goes on to discuss "the God whom we meet" - the God whom he encountered face to face during his prayer experiment. This God is a God who IS, who comes to us, who peruses us, loves us unconditionally, who wills and accomplishes his purposes for the world. Johnson announces that the longer he continued his prayer experiment, the stronger his desire to share the blessings of prayer and of knowing God with others. "The God whom you meet will so fill your life with meaning and joy, you will feel compelled to share with others what you know of His love."

Johnson challenges us to take some moments each morning and evening for prayer. Don't treat it as "just another thing you need to add to your busy life." Think of it as time set aside for meeting your beloved and basking in His presence. It is an act of joyful worship, not of duty or obligation. Here is a brief synopsis of the pattern.

Each Morning (for at least 15 minutes)

Be Still  Breathe deeply and sit quietly. Calm your mind. Read a Bible verse and run it through your mind a few times. Concentrate on God's presence with you.

Adoration Praise God for who he is, the qualities that make him God.

Thanksgiving Express gratitude for how God has been at work in your days, for the things that he has blessed you with, both great and small.

Dedication Review the vows you have made to God in the past and rededicate your self to his service. Dedicate your day to him.

Guidance "Envision your day before God" and ask for his wisdom in dealing with the challenges that lie ahead.

Intercession Mention people around you for which you are concerned. Bring the needs of others before God.

Petition What do you deeply desire? What burdens your heart? Speak to God about it.

Act of Trust Release your worries over things you have limited control and trust God to deal with it. Let go and let God.

Listen
Wait in silence before God. Listen for his small quiet voice inside of you. Let your soul savor the peace.

Throughout the day, carry a verse or short passage from the Bible with you to reflect upon.

Every Evening (at least 5 minutes)

Be Still Breathe deeply and sit quietly. Calm your mind. Concentrate on God's presence with you.

Review the Day Where has God been active in your day? Thank God and petition God about the things of your day.

Confession Where do you feel you have failed to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor and yourself? Did you notice sin in your life that needs to be admitted before God?

Commitment Release all your concerns before God and listen to his words of grace and mercy to you. Recommit yourself to following more closely to his footsteps in front of you.