Community vs Communion
More on the point on prayer
I’ve mentioned that prayer is about community as well as communion.
So, I wanted to take a minute to discuss the difference between the two and what I mean when I say that our prayer life isn’t just about us as individuals.
…
Community is defined by something people have in common.
Time and Space
Interests and Hobbies
Goals and Causes
Prayer as “Community” isn’t an action, but a trait and natural consequence of prayer.
But Communion is defined as an action.
Just doing a Google search reveals that “Communion” is defined as sharing intimate thoughts and feelings.
And prayer is about both.
But, if you pay close attention…
Community applies to our relationship with others in prayer. And Communion applies to our relationship with God.
Except, the opposite is also true.
To pray with, for, and over someone else invites them into Communion with you and with God. At the same time, it brings God into Community with us.
How? In what way is God sharing the same space/time, interests/hobbies, and/or goals/causes with us because we pray with, for, or over someone else?
Because. Jesus. Prayed. Too.
Jesus, being fully God, prayed just like we do.
And in that act of prayer, especially when joined with others, means that God experiences prayer as we do when we pray.
Prayer is about Community and Communion.
And it is also about all of God’s people, not just individualistic selves.
My prayer for today
Our Father, thank you for experiencing prayer as we do. Jesus, it is so good to know and remember that you have prayed with, for, and over others just as we do. Spirit, help us to remember this every time we pray. Amen.
Remember
Every time you pray, remember that all the prayers of all people have been summed up in the prayers of Jesus. We never pray alone. We always pray in community and communion with God and others.