Bow Your Heads, Close Your Eyes

Season 5, Episode 5 – Take a Deep Breath

Guest host – Rev. Dr. Linda Forsberg, pastor of the FirstLutheran Church of East Greenwich, RI

There is not a wrong way to pray. Actually there are wrong ways to pray, but there is not the one, perfect, surefire way to pray. It will vary from person to person, context to context, and where you are in your life. With this in mind what does Jonathan think he is doing when he suggests that perhaps he can offer a way to pray? That is why he needs the help and guidance of Linda Forsberg. Linda has spent a lot of time thinking, studying, and praying about prayer (no irony there) and has a lot of wisdom to offer.

First, prayer is relational. At the least you are relating with God, but more than that your prayers are bringing you into a deeper relationship with others. Your connection with the community deepens and grows when you pray with and for others. Your relationship with God grows through your prayers.

Second, you can use different texts as a source, guide for prayer. They do not have to be texts that lift you up, or encourage you, but can be texts that challenge and push you. As Linda suggests, you can have the Wall Street Journal in one hand and use it as an influence for your prayers.

Third, prayer is important. Scratch that, prayer is essential. You need to pray. You need to work on your awareness of the divine and your relationship with the divine. Take time to pray in the way that works best for you. And maybe you can pray for this podcast. Maybe you can pray for Jonathan. He needs it.

Rialage –

Jonathan is angry at those pastors who feel that they can go through life and ministry alone, without any support or help or guidance from anyone else. Pastors like… Jonathan. He really needs to start attending the local clergy group!

Linda is angry about racism. Small and simple. She is angry about the many different ways racism is still a real part of our culture, still has a negative impact on many people’s lives, and is still something that we all need to work on.

Scripture-

Acts 1:6-14 – the Ascension! This is a big deal because it tells us that Jesus does not die (again) but is living with God. It gives us something to consider with prayer and being in the presence of the Lord.

Watcha’ Into

Linda loves blogging. Check it out at www.lifeasspiritualadventure.org

Jonathan finally finished the 40 Hikes found in the book byKen Weber

Again, thanks for listening. Send your comments and questions to 12ecast@gmail.com and don’t forget to rate the show on iTunes.

Next episode – Saints with Father Jakob Theibault