The Desire to Pray
Inspired by Brennan Manning's Ragamuffin Gospel (Paste Jewelry and Sawdust Hotdogs) She walked beside her pastor through the gardens outside her church. A late spring Sunday, and the roses were in bloom. There were red and pink blossoms to their right. Tiny yellow roses, and a few whites to their left. Had she been alone she would have taken a sniff. After all, Mac Davis did say we should 'Stop and Smell the Roses'. "I am troubled," she said. She wasn't sure if she wanted to speak to the pastor, or the deacon. But her pastor was here and the moment seemed right. "I desire to move closer to God in my prayer life, but I find it difficult. Sometimes... just reciting a formulated prayer leaves me feeling empty. I need to know how to pray... I guess." "Formulated prayer leaves you empty?" His question bit into the cool air of the morning. "Sometimes." "Prayer is not about OUR feelings," he said, before adding, ...