#91 From Knees to Conversations: My Evolving Journey with God
From Memorized Words to Heartfelt Conversations with God
Good morning friends,
Today’s piece is an expansion on a topic I’ve reflected on and written about in this old article about waiting on the Lord.
As my prayer life continues to evolve, the Lord is helping me to gain new understandings about what my prayer life can mean and what it could look like in my life as it is during this season of my life.
When the Lord first revealed himself to me and asked that I spend time with Him each day to get to know Him. I assumed that meant setting time aside each day to pray. Having had a Catholic background growing up the first and only thing that came to mind was the “Our Father…” prayer.
I was surprised that I still remembered it…mostly. At that point it had been a few decades since I had thought of that prayer let alone recite it.
It’s a prayer that took less than a minute to recite. So, over the next few mornings I’d get on my knees, recite that prayer and I’d be happy to have checked off that one ask of Him to me from that night. While I did remember the prayer and was now reciting it daily, I didn’t really know what that prayer meant.
My prayer life has evolved much since that era and continues to do so with every passing day.
Today my prayer life is no longer just a few minutes on my knees each morning. My prayer life is an all day affair and conversation with God.
It’s a thank you for the car that started without a glitch when I turned the ignition keys.
It’s a thank you for that first breath of fresh air when I open my eyes in the morning.
It’s a thank you when I poke my head into mom’s bedroom to see her still breathing while she slept.
It’s a thank you for the birds that chirp loudly from the mango tree in my front yard each morning.
My prayer life is a mono y mono friendly conversation with Jesus in the car while I drive to an appointment. I’ll discuss whatever is wearing down on my heart. Something from the day before I could have handled differently. A conversation about a source of anxiety that’s shouting for attention in the back of my mind and I refuse to give it voice because, I trust God will handle it, show me a way to manage it while staying on His righteous path.
My prayer life is an out loud conversation with God about the woods and the muddy trails as I walk with my dog to a quiet space to be still and find the silence of nature, free of worry.
My prayer life is closing my eyes and counting back from 100 to 0 while taking deep breaths from the stomach and through my chest.
My prayer life is a brief intercessory “God help them get where they need to go safely, amen” to the nuisance driver tailgating me as I drive from one destination to the next.
In short, while there are a variety of known amongst Christians (see below), a prayer is is being in any conversation with our heavenly Father. It all pleases Him no matter what format you may be using. The Holy Spirit will convict you, guide you or bring something to your attention if He wants you to change something you are doing.
[Some AI jargon about the different types of Christian prayer formats]
Here are concise, authentic examples for each Christian prayer model—drawn from real traditions without theological bias or censorship:
1. Vocal Prayer:
Reciting the Lord’s Prayer verbatim: ”Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...” (Matthew 6:9-13). Common in Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant liturgies.
2. Meditative Prayer:
Lectio Divina on Psalm 23: Reading ”The Lord is my shepherd” slowly, then reflecting: ”How is God shepherding me through my job loss? What does ‘green pastures’ look like for me today?” Journaling insights.
«The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.»
Psalm 23:1-6 ESV
3. Contemplative Prayer:
Hesychasm (Eastern Orthodox): Sitting in silence, breathing rhythmically while repeating the Jesus Prayer: ”Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.” Focusing solely on God’s presence—no words, images, or requests.
4. Intercessory Prayer
Praying for a sick neighbor: ”God, heal Sarah’s cancer. Give her doctors wisdom. Surround her with peace. Let her feel Your love through her family.” Often done kneeling with hands outstretched. Here’s one I posted a while back in this article.
5. ACTS Model
Structured personal prayer:
Adoration: “You are holy, mighty, and worthy of all praise.”
Confession: “Forgive me for lying to my sister yesterday.”
Thanksgiving: “Thank You for my LOL moment during her morning coffee.”
Supplication: “Provide me with a fix for the cracked or bent rim on my car”
6. Spontaneous Prayer
Evangelical “from the heart” prayer: ”Hey God, I’m stressed about this client meeting. Help me stay calm and point people to You. And please, let my family sleep safely and peacefully through the night, while I make this paper! Amen.”
7. Liturgical Prayer
Anglican Book of Common Prayer (Evening): ”O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us... Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin.” Chanted at fixed hours with prescribed readings.
8. Examen
Ignatian Prayer (evening reflection):
1. ”Where did I feel God’s presence today? (e.g., phone call with a friend)”
2. ”Where did I ignore God? (e.g., snapping at my niece when I was busy)”
3. ”Forgive me. Help me do better tomorrow.”
Key Notes:
These aren’t rigid categories—e.g., a Catholic might blend vocal (rosary beads) with contemplative silence.
- Pentecostals often add charismatic elements (e.g., praying in tongues during intercession).
- No tradition “owns” a model: Protestants use Lectio Divina; Orthodox practice ACTS -style adoration.
No sugarcoating: Some traditions criticize others (e.g., Evangelicals calling liturgical prayer “empty ritual”; Catholics dismissing spontaneity as “undisciplined”). But all aim for communion with God—just through different doors.
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Thanks for your time and support.
Shashue Monrauch
🌳 🌄 Thanx Amigo 🕯️📿 🌐 📖 ⏳⛪ 🔔 🌌
I first learned #5 "ACTS" on a youth retreat back in 1979. It's still a good solid template.
☦️ Pray on.....🔥⛲✨🪽