Wordless Prayer

“My raised hands are my evening prayer.” (Ps. 141:1-2 MSG)

There is a beautiful simplicity in wordless prayer. I used to equate adoration with silent praise—but now I realize that even when I’m not speaking, my mind is still filled with words. Adoration is wordless praise. Yet, it is difficult for me to go from too many words to none at all. So, I am learning to be a minimalist in prayer. I go to a solitary place, I raise my hands up, and I use my ten fingers to help me focus. For ten breaths I focus on one word: Father; another ten breaths focused on another word: Jesus; another ten breaths: Holy Spirit. Then, I move on to ten breaths of thanksgiving—silently counting off things I’m feeling thankful for right at that moment. Yes, it’s still wordy, even though it is silent,—but I’m getting closer. 

My usual form of prayer is filled with requests and concerns, lots of pleading petitions, and suggestions on how God could improve his customer satisfaction scores. I rarely feel centered and calm after these sessions. 

I’m hoping to train my mind to only focus on God and completely surrender to His will—knowing He is capable of taking care of everything without reminders or suggestions.  

“Dear Lord, I only have eyes for you. Since I’ve run for dear life to you, take good care of me.” (Ps. 141:8 MSG)