Friday, February 18, 2011

another post about prayer

I think I take my blog in my hands when I write about prayer, because it sounds so weird in this part of the world to talk about that, there is no sex appeal in it, the NYT blog would never link to it, and frankly causes all of our brilliant sexy atheists to run for the hills. But it's a little too late for me to go back now!

While people may pray for a certain result, the act of prayer itself brings peace and a retreat from constant manipulations that we feel we must exact upon worldly matters, over which I feel I have little control. But that's not really what I want to talk about now. It's just how the other day my first grader was sick and asked me to pray for her, and I said I would, but I didn't. Later she asked me if I had and I told her I didn't, but I wanted to, and she said it was ok, that when it comes to prayer wanting to was the same as doing it. I think there's some truth in that, although I believe she lets me off too easy, although maybe I was too busy praying with my deeds as I cleaned up the mess and gave her what she needed.

It sounds kind of like she's been reading Eckhart. I have the impression that for him, an intention of that nature is as good as the deed. It is compelling to know that he was persecuted by Franciscans, but even before Francis met his end, he knew what abuses of power would find their way into the order. Because ultimately orders are human.

5 comments:

Marlene McGarrity said...

I think many people are more interested in prayer than you believe.....even bloggers and blog readers find it interesting.

But really I wanted to just note what an incredible daughter you have. She's in first grade and she knows to ask for prayers....yeah that's pretty amazing.

Old First said...

I'm delighted by your daughter but not surprised. I was praying when I was that young, although I enjoy it so much more now. I love to pray. One of my best friends no longer believes in God. I still do, and it's because of how much I love to pray.

amarilla said...

Queen: Thanks for the perspective! I guess it's my own internal atheist that I really have to deal with.

Old: It didn't used to be this way, but now I don't know how I could possibly face being alive without the consolation of prayer. There are parts of me that desperately need the comfort that comes only from that indescribable place one creates when offering oneself into that spirit affirming relationship.

Marie said...

I do not believe in God or god, but I do sometimes pray. For me, prayer has nothing to do with one god or the other, but with, as your daughter puts it, intention. I believe it is simply directed energy.

amarilla said...

Interesting! Thanks Marie.