Continuing the book “The Power of Stillness”: by Jacob Z. Hess, Carrie L. Skarda, Kyle D. Anderson, Ty R. Mansfield:
Rather than something to get done or merely “say,” experience prayer as a deeper, embodied practice by retreating away from noise and activity to commune with God. Consider approaching some prayers as one would sitting by a warm fire with a beloved friend—not with a wordy agenda, but with full presence and appreciation. Especially when there’s a lot going on inside, take time before formal prayer to watch what’s going on internally and better understand your current state before starting to express anything in words.You might also try some things to help the mind and body settle:
- Allow your body to settle deeply in your kneeling or sitting position, feeling the contact of the ground for a few moments. Bring your focus beneath the emotional or mental “noise” to a calm, centered space within.
- Sit quietly for a short time, nothing physical sensations throughout the body and whatever emotions are present as well.
- When thought or sounds distract gently guide your attention back to the rise and fall of your own breathing.
When you do speak, let the words rise tenderly from your direct experience—observing and articulating, in the Lord’s presence, what your noticing in your mind, body, and heart. Pause between sentences or ideas expressed, maintaining heartfelt inquisitive presence with anything that arises, as you listen quietly.
When the mind wander is prayer, pay attention to where it has gone, considering whether it’s perhaps not distraction but the influence of the Spirit that has guided it. If you find yourself daydreaming or ruminating, acknowledge the wandering before tenderly guiding your attention back to God. Recognize the recalibration as and important, meaningful part of healthy prayer practice.
Notice where your heart is during prayer—the emotions behind the words, In particular, watch the tendency to treat God in prayer as a means to an end or a tool for your hopes and plans. When sensing that, consciously reaffirm your intention to be a tool for His ends. Allow prayer to become a more conscious ongoing process of cultivating your heart and uniting yourself to God’s desires.
When painful, intense, or heavy emotion arises, bring compassionate attention to it in prayer.
- Let yourself be curious about observing whatever is here, including discomfort—continuing to observe what’s going on in the body and mind in prayer.
- Become compassionate with yourself as you allow feelings to ebb and flow, exploring what internal resistance means with the Lord.
- Notice any impatience or sense of demand for a particular answer or timeline.
When there is no time in a given day, don’t be defeated. Once in a while, reach out to Him as you would make a quick phone call to your best friend—the one who understands when you have to end the conversation abruptly because your child just spilled the juice or your boss just emailed. Let Heavenly Father know about the small joys or setbacks of the day—right as they’re happening. ~ Jacob Z.Hess, Carie L.Skarda, Kyle D. Mansfield, Ty R. Mansfield, The Power of Stillness (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2019), p.55-57
