Lay Leader Message for August

By Kay Franscoviak

What is your prayer style? Are you Tevye of Fiddler on the Roof  who sings his prayers to God as he works? Do you have a special place that especially provides you with solace away from the daily routine? Are you an early riser who prays or maybe a “pillow talk” person who prays when the head hits the pillow?  What are your prayer tools? The Bible?  A devotional book?  A personal journal?  Are you not sure how to format a prayer?

The recent Trinity discussion group “Your Personality and the Spiritual Life” reflected on people’s personalities as indicated by the Meyers-Briggs personality test. One of the areas examined was methods of prayer that fit the variety of personalities.  No one technique is the right one. Some people need to quiet their active service momentarily to cultivate quietly a sense of Christ’s companionship; others will find daily structured prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer to be the most effective style. Others find telling Jesus their needs and then waiting silently for Him. Opening up yourself to God by recording your spiritual insights in a journal is another prayerful technique or write your own prayer or read prayers written by others. Devotion books such as The Upper Room are another way of prayerful living. Breath prayer is another alternative, i.e.  “Lord, Help me live a life that is serving others and pleasing to you.”  Finally, just opening your heart of feelings and concerns to God as your best friend can be done in a quiet moment.  Find your prayer style and practice it daily.

“Prayer is more than a declaration of our needs and our praise.  It is a return to God of the divine breath (or Spirit) that animates our life toward God.”  The Wesley Study Bible  NRSV

Please remember to address  your Trinity concerns with the governing board—Bronwen Everton, Kenny Jones, Susan Eicher, Norma Singley, Kay Franscoviak, Jeremy Grossman, Kristi Evans, Claudia Alenduff, Dinah Dalder, Ryan Wynkoop and Pastor Tracey and in prayer with God.