Finding the Heartbeat of Faith: A Life of Prayer

Have you ever thought about how praying can change not just your day but your entire life? Over the last few years, a mentor of mine who is deeply influenced by Hans Urs von Balthasar, a thinker who saw prayer as more than just a daily task, has challenged me in my thinking on the role of prayer in my everyday life.

Balthasar taught that prayer is where we truly meet God. It's not just talking to Him but listening deeply. Imagine you're not just waiting for God to talk, but you're ready to hear what He's really saying, even if it means changing your plans to match His. This listening and changing is what I've been exploring and experimenting with. It's about letting God lead the way. It’s about following The Way of Jesus.

Prayer, especially the contemplative (thinking quietly and deeply) kind, helps us follow Jesus better. It's like the fuel that keeps the discipleship engine running. But it's not about doing it right; it's more about being open and ready. Let's dive into some simple steps to deepen this journey:

1. Be Open to God: Think of standing with open hands, ready to receive whatever God has for you. Listening is key.
2. Meet Jesus in the Bible: When you read the Bible, picture Jesus speaking directly to you. It's not just a book but a way to meet God in person.
3. Wonder, Don't Analyze: Approach the Bible with a heart ready to admire and learn, not just to study it.
4. See Jesus' Life: Use your imagination to walk with Jesus through the Gospel stories. Picture His experiences as if you're right there with Him.
5. Join Jesus in Prayer: Imagine joining in Jesus' own conversation with God. Your prayers become part of His eternal prayer.
6. Face Suffering with Love: Don't turn away from the hard parts of Jesus' story. His suffering and love show us God's heart.

As we follow these paths, we're not just learning about God; we're being transformed by Him. This transformation makes our lives reflect Jesus more clearly, showing His love in everything we do. Balthasar's vision shows us that the deepest knowledge of God comes through a heart open to His love, leading to actions that echo His love in the world. This is the journey of prayer, contemplation, and discipleship I'm on. Will you join me?

Terry Ishee
Lead Pastor