Introductory thoughts on Prayer

Ignorance or Prayerful Peace?

When I first noticed this cartoon it was illustrating the theme of 'ignorance'. And it does that very well.

However, when my thoughts turn to prayer this image seems to be quite illustrative of this great theme also. Not because a man may be praying, eyes closed, unaware of danger lurking; rather it's in the peaceful, un-anxious and carefree attitude depicted. 

I think of one of the great New Testament texts on prayer - Philippians 4:6,7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

Prayer practiced through the centuries, in all religions, has given people peace of mind. I suspect because to pray rightly we must meditatively slow down and turn our attention away from the cares and troubles around us to the source of all peace and tranquility.

To the right you have access to five pamphlets on prayer that are offered out of the contemplative tradition of spirituality. Enjoy.

Terry Alve

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Prayer Leaflets

Sue Pickering, Anglican Priest and former convenor of the Spiritual Growth Ministries (NZ) training programme, has written five prayer leaflets (PDF) on the following prayer forms:

Centring Prayer

Lectio Divina or Sacred Reading

The Examen

Imaginative Prayer

Body Prayer

Sue has agreed that these resources be freely available for you to download.

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Books mentioned in these leaflets are available here: Lectio Divina Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina Centering Prayer Open Mind, Open Heart Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening Examen Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life Body Prayer Feed My Shepherds: Spiritual Healing and Renewal for Those in Christian Leadership