Christine's Corner: Praying a Prayer

There are so many ways in which we can pray. Our children learned this back in the summer when we talked during our children's time about the different ways in which we can pray-body prayers, breathe prayers, prayer walks, and many more. But there are many times in our lives in which we can not find the words to do so, especially in times of struggle and despair. Because of this, we may find ourselves not turning to God or pushing God away as we feel inadequate. This is especially true when we are in the middle of the chaos of parenting and need the right words to pray.

But fortunately for us, there are resources that can help us find those words. Just launched this week, the book To Light Their Way by Kayla Craig is a compilation of prayers for parents for everyday life. Kayla writes "In an age of distraction and overwhelm, finding the words to meaningfully prayer for our children-and for our journey as parents-can feel impossible. To Light Their Way gives voice to your prayers when the words won't come." This beautifully written book is one that can guide you through the joys and celebrations, as well as the trials and tribulations, of life and help you along the journey. I strongly encourage you to check it out.

Another resource that is helpful for families as they pray about everyday life is Prayers for Faithful Families by Traci Smith. As we teach our children to pray, simplicity and repetition are what allow our children to remember and begin to use the prayers as their own. This resource is a collection of prayers for families to use together as the spiritual practice of prayer is introduced. Augusta Heights gives this book to every child that is dedicated at the church.

And there are other resources that help us find the words to pray when there are none to be found. Sarah Bessey's book A Rhythm of Prayer is a collection of mediations for renewal, featuring the writings from Amena Brown, Barbara Brown Taylor, and others. The prayers center around three topics-orientation, disorientation, and reorientation. This is one that anyone can use to delve into the hard parts of their spiritual journey as they are awakened to their faith and how this plays out in our everyday life.

Prayer-a cornerstone of our faith. And one that has so many facets that have, for so long, been left untouched. Let us always be seeking new ways in which we can commune with our God.