Another Thought

I suppose I should edit the last post, instead of a new one.

Whatever, because this is a new idea anyway.

I love prayer. I love all forms of prayer, because it’s mystical, and beautiful, and confusing. I love prayer because I like to think I can talk to something as big as God. To imagine that God is listening to my prayer is so exciting. My private prayers are deeply personal and comfortable. I don’t have any fear of Him while we’re talking. I just go into my mind for a minute and say “Heavenly Father, I have some things on my mind right now….” My personal acquaintance with God is always deeply meaningful and powerful for me. And I love that I don’t have to do it a certain way. I can be kneeling, standing, sitting, in bed, or climbing a mountain and God will listen just the same.  I love the solitude as well as the relationship with God.

I love public prayer, too. Every time Dave or anyone asked one of us to lead in prayer, I volunteered. t’s a wonderful thing, because while you’re communicating with God as well, you are able to communicate big feelings to the ones praying with you without saying them in conversation. Some feelings you may have are too large for a conversation, or would make you feel awkward to talk about them. But, in prayer, you can comfortably wish them a safe trip, ( or a happier marriage,  or a new devotion to You, Lord.)  Public prayer is specifically powerful because of how controlled it is. Even though I often like solo prayer (call ift freestyle ), group prayer (collected)’s ins and outs and nuances make it all the more likeable. Most group prayers are called together by one person, in order for another to pray. Folks form a circle, or sit in their seats, and lean foreward. Most of them close their eyes and fold their hands. All listen intently to you give your heart to them in the form of words of well being to God, Almighty.

I had this epiphany last night while I was saying the evening prayer. We were going to go back to our rooms, but I felt that a prayer would be appropriate. It started off with Lauren, Cinderblock, Katie, Anthony, and one other person, but quickly all the believers in the hallway came over and joined in a circle of held hands and bowed heads listening to my pray. I remember that I prayed for a good night of sleep. I prayd that none of us forget what we’ve learned here. I prayed that we’d all open our hearts. I prayed that jsut because camp is over, we not be closed to learning more lessons before we leave. I prayed that the night’s sleep would refresh us for our journey in the morning. I prayed that the exodus of our sojourn would be safe and fast. And I prayed that God be with us, Emmanuel. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

Collective prayer always makes me feel very emotional and attached to the people I am praying for. I turned around and walked down the hallway because I almost cried after all of the meaningful and moving experiences last night.

When Stephanie told me camp is life changing, I figured it would be fun. I figured it would make me think for a week and send me out with a good attitude that would fade. I didn’t know it would make me a better person like this.

Thank you, StudentLife. You’ve really done a great thing.