Blessed Be - Hard Prayers for the Dark Hours

The ancient holy writings of Christendom tell us to pray without ceasing. That makes it even more complicated. How am I supposed to do that and still have a life? I haven't felt called to be a cloistered intercessory hermit monk. I figure these are about the only ones who could fold their hands, close their eyes, bow their heads, and kneel on stone floors most of the day and night.

Perhaps, prayer isn't about posture, place, linguistic gymnastics, being holier than thou in our intoned erudition to our almighty most holy, revered, all loving, eternal, unchanging, timeless heavenly Father. Perhaps it's just about popping off with what's bugging and scaring us when life seem to be coming at us too fast. Perhaps coming to God with unrehearsed unprinted prayers, much like a small child just spooked in the dark by something under the bed would do when he calls out to Mommy or Daddy to "Come quick!" Perhaps, something akin to "Dad! Help me! Save me! I'm about to go under!" would work best.

I have long wondered if there is a simpler easier way to go about praying. There is! Just do it. On the fly. Spontaneously. Anywhere, anytime, with whoever thinks there's value in sharing in this exercise of faith, trust, and hope. Believe that prayer changes things - big time.

I think I will consider this book successful if it inspires you to realize there's no right or wrong way to pray, if it gets you in the practice of praying for all kinds of stuff in your life. All you have to do is suit up and show up with honest intentions and even a modest measure of faith and trust. Believing that your prayers make it further than the sheetrock on the ceiling.