I recently started reading a book on the history of Christianity. This might sound boring, but it’s actually been a very engaging read. The book, A People’s History of Christianity by Diana Butler Bass, chronicles the “other side of the
story” – sort of an unofficial history of the faith. It’s always intriguing to think of what has gotten left out of the orthodox narrative throughout the thousands of years of faith history, as well as enlightening to realize how many alternative points of view are actually represented in our history. 
 
Along these lines, I’m struck by what I’ve read of the approach to prayer of the desert fathers and mothers. Bass says:

"Prayer is much more than a technique, and early Christians left us no definitive how-to manual on prayer. Rather, the desert fathers and mothers believed that prayer was a disposition of wholeness, so that 'prayer and our life must be all of a piece.' They approached prayer…as a practical twofold process: first, of 'thinking and reflecting,' or 'pondering' what it means to love others; and second, as the “development and practice of loving ways of being.'…These ancients taught that prayer was participation in God’s love, the activity that takes us out of ourselves, away from the familiar, and conforms us to the path of Christ."

I love the emphasis on wholeness and on developing and practicing “loving ways of being.” Prayer, in this view, is not about asking God for things. No, it’s much richer than that. It’s about seeking out wholeness in ourselves and in our relationships. Taking the time to reflect on how we can show love. Then taking the practical steps to actually show that love to our friends, neighbors, and even enemies. This is prayer brought into our day-to-day lives, prayer that transforms who we are and shapes the way we act in the world.

I also love the phrase “a disposition of wholeness.” Prayer develops the posture we take in approaching our world and our relationships, and as we practice this type of prayer we gain a bearing of peace and wholeness that we reflect outward.

I have to admit that I rarely think in this way when I pray. Usually prayer for me is about seeking clarity on a situation or transformation of my own attitudes. But what I’ve learned from this passage casts this ancient practice in a new light…one I look forward to exploring more deeply.

Posted by Kari