An Experiment In Prayer (Guest Blogger Rev. Carol Pazdersky)

Photo by Elizabeth Horn

Have you ever tried to pray only to find yourself making grocery lists in your head or planning a vacation? Do you sometimes find your mind dwelling on a work-related matter rather than God in prayer? I hear from a lot of people — both men and women — that they have a difficult time praying.

Our lives are so busy that it is hard to tune out the world and tune into God during our times of personal prayer.

Sometimes we even experience this in corporate worship. We might not be able to completely leave the world behind during our encounters with God — but we do not have to let them interfere with our devotion. Distractions in prayer can be a gift.

As we come into the season of Lent, would you try an experiment in prayer? Perhaps you can set aside time during your morning or evening devotions to welcome those things that rise up while praying.

First — Engage the body in prayer.

• Hold hands in a prayerful gesture that is natural to you.
• Raise your prayerful hands as high as you are able to symbolize your desire to reach out and be present to God.
• Slowly open your hands and arms to receive what God has to offer.
• Slowly bring your arms down to your heart — crossing one over the other — to symbolize bringing God’s gifts to your heart.
• Express gratitude in silence — perhaps without words.
• Open your arms out towards the world in a gesture of sharing your gift with others.

Second — Begin the process of letting go of the day’s concerns through Breath Prayer.

• Seat yourself comfortably and begin to breathe deeply. Relax your body — letting go of tensions, releasing knotted muscles.
• Become aware of God’s nearness at this time: God is closer than our very breath — we just don’t often stop long enough to experience this reality.
• As you breathe in, pray these words in your heart: Be at rest once more, O my soul,*
• As  you breathe out, prayer these words: For the Lord has been good to you.*
• Continue to pray and breathe until you feel centered and peace-filled. Some days this may take a long time, other days this will only take moments.

*Psalm 116:7

Third — Rest in God. Spend time in God’s presence (3, 5, or 10 minutes — you will determine what is right for you).

• As you rest in God’s presence, ask God to gather up the fragments of your scattered life to make your soul whole.
• As distractions come to you, jot them down and return to resting in God. These may be thoughts or feelings, awareness of discomfort, or awareness of anything but God.

After this time, look at the notes you have made. What stands out to you? What fears and anxieties do you see? What does this reveal about you?

• Talk to God about your distractions and concerns and give them to God.
• Return to resting in God for your chosen period of time.
• Give thanks for your time together.

Last —  If you journal, you may wish to write about your experience. If you are not a writer, take a few moments to reflect on the experience.

• What was this exercise like for you?
• What did you learn about yourself? About God? What blessings came through distractions?
• Return to your day refreshed and renewed.

Be blessed during the season of Lent.

About Carol Pazdersky

Carol Pazdersky is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church. She serves Bel Air UMC in Bel Air, MD, as the Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions/Outreach and on the Boards of Faith Communities and Civic Agencies United  and Be the Change Baltimore addressing issues of homelessness. On a daily basis, Carol ministers with women who are seeking to balance their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. She is a wife, mother of three young adults, daughter of aging parents, friend, and animal lover and on the same journey to find balance. Her sermons are archived on the following sites: www.MtCarmelChapel.org and www.BAUMC.com.

I’m Carol Pazdersky, a pastor at Bel Air United Methodist Church in Bel Air, MD (Jory’s church). Spiritual formation is my passion! I have seen so many women facing burn-out because of the heavy load they carry—being a supportive partner, involved parent, care-giving daughter, strong business leader, and dedicated friend. With all that is happening, the spiritual life can take a back-seat—and without the firm foundation of Jesus, we may feel like a dry well. What are your greatest spiritual needs? How can I offer support and encouragement for your journey? On the other hand, some women have figured out the balance between faith, family, friendship, and business. I would love to have you share your wisdom as well. Email me at pazderskyc@ baumc.com with your victories, challenges, questions, and thoughts, and I will respond to them in the coming months. I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with you.