I read once that the best kind of prayer is the prayer you actually do. It’s the same with exercise: the best kind is the exercise you actually do. Even the best kind of prayer and exercise can’t be effective if we only think about it but never do it. Also, our prayer changes as we grow older, as we grow in holiness (not always in sync), and as our life circumstances change. This should not surprise us. God has a perfect individual pedagogy for each of us, so our prayer will necessarily be unique to each of us. We can learn from the saints in Heaven and the saints on earth about what draws them closer to Jesus and pick what works for us.
Yes! And sometimes a very good prayer isn't the right prayer for me right now. If my arm is injured, maybe it's not the best time to lift weights. If I'm a beginner, I shouldn't start a marathon. If I'm healthy, experienced, and in good shape, I shouldn't think a walk around the block is going to do the job. If I've got little kids, it's going to be really hard to get to a pool, and at some point I have to admit that it isn't going to happen and I should find something else. If I have seasonal allergies and pollen is high, that's a factor in whether I exercise indoors or outdoors today. Sometimes I need someone to say "Quit being lazy and get moving!" and other times I need someone to say "You've been doing a lot and you're exhausted. Don't beat yourself up for not performing at your peak today."
I read once that the best kind of prayer is the prayer you actually do. It’s the same with exercise: the best kind is the exercise you actually do. Even the best kind of prayer and exercise can’t be effective if we only think about it but never do it. Also, our prayer changes as we grow older, as we grow in holiness (not always in sync), and as our life circumstances change. This should not surprise us. God has a perfect individual pedagogy for each of us, so our prayer will necessarily be unique to each of us. We can learn from the saints in Heaven and the saints on earth about what draws them closer to Jesus and pick what works for us.
Yes! And sometimes a very good prayer isn't the right prayer for me right now. If my arm is injured, maybe it's not the best time to lift weights. If I'm a beginner, I shouldn't start a marathon. If I'm healthy, experienced, and in good shape, I shouldn't think a walk around the block is going to do the job. If I've got little kids, it's going to be really hard to get to a pool, and at some point I have to admit that it isn't going to happen and I should find something else. If I have seasonal allergies and pollen is high, that's a factor in whether I exercise indoors or outdoors today. Sometimes I need someone to say "Quit being lazy and get moving!" and other times I need someone to say "You've been doing a lot and you're exhausted. Don't beat yourself up for not performing at your peak today."