12/5/2013
In discussing Phenomenology of
Prayer, one thing that caught my attention was the idea of humility through
prayer. The book addresses the fact that we are called to a certain
de-centeredness so that we may communicate with the Divine more effectively. We
are also called to praise God through
prayer (among other things-see ACTS prayer). Through this form of adoration,
the focus shifts from ourselves to something much greater. When we focus on the
One True King, our minds are no longer cluttered with things of this fallen
world. True praise rules out worry and doubt. Genuine adoration nullifies
negativity and amplifies positive outlook. In this form of prayer, we gain a
heavenly perspective. Why, then, does our outlook shift so much when we do not
consciously adore the Lord? Simple. When we praise God, we are intentionally
worshipping him; that is what our mind is on and that is what influences our
thoughts. There is no such thing as an absence of worship. The absence of
praise is just the absence of worship geared towards the Lord. When we are not
worshipping the Lord, we are worshipping something else. If one’s thoughts are
consumed by concerns with money, that is worship of capital. If a person is
constantly worried about appearance, that is an example of worship of other
people’s opinions. And so on. We are a people designed for worship. If we are
not worshipping the One that we are designed to worship, the one who brings
ultimate satisfaction, what are we worshipping? Admiring anyone is a humble
experience. When that experience is shifted to God’s level, it is possible to
achieve full humility in Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment