SoulThirst

[Original Post: Xanga]

And that's only because I'm at Wheaton, and signing into the Blogspot interface is somewhat annoying here (the computers here are somewhat annoying in general).

Anyway, it's been a good week... time hasn't been getting away from me like it has in the past. Yesterday I went to downtown Naperville to do some more wandering. Down & around the Riverwalk, moms & their little kids were running and playing. I think I gained more spiritual insight in watching the children for an hour than from studying in my room. Walked down to Naperville Central, walked around the outside of the school. At the same time, prayed for all of you while there (and you too).

Finished reading through David Hansen's book, Long Wandering Prayer these past couple days. And he does a better job of explaining it than I ever will. But a short summary here will suffice, mainly to explain what my past 2 entries have been about.

Wandering prayer is the mental & spiritual equivalent to physical wandering. In physical wandering, there isn't a reason for going, and there isn't even a specific destination. You wander, and take things as they come. In wandering prayer, I don't set the agenda for what I'm praying for; I don't "control" my prayers. I just wander (usually helps if I'm actually physically moving around), and I let my mind take in what I see, hear, feel and then let those things inform my prayers. For example, walking to Naperville Central, brought to mind the students I know there, so I prayed for them. Watching children play reminded me of Christ's words of having faith like a child- prompting me to pray for that kind of faith. In wandering prayer, it's ok if my mind loses focus... I just pray for what comes to mind. The world is no longer a distraction- I don't have to close my eyes and shut out the world- I can take it all in, recognizing the the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24). Wandering is also refreshing... relaxing. I'm not in a hurry to get anywhere or do anything; I can simply wander. I can also pray for much longer; I don't get restless or bored from sitting in one place. Time passes slower when you wander; it's only psychological, but it helps. Especially when there are a lot of things to pray for and those things are heavy things- as is the case presently- wandering can distribute the load... and praying becomes an easy rhythm.

If this sounds interesting, ask me about it. Or read the book; it's short, easy, an could change your prayer life.

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The weather's a bit cooler today, not quite as sunny :P. But the day still feels peaceful

posted by Andy Chang @ 12:06 PM