Why should I pray someone else's written prayers?
Because these prayers become the ones for when we can't pray for ourselves
I love reading old prayer books.
There are so many out there where someone has taken the time to write down prayers for others to read (like this new favorite of mine).
And these prayers can be powerful, especially when we read them and pray them enough that they become part of our bones.
Why, though?
Why do I believe in the practice of rote prayers (prayers for ritual reading/praying)?
Because, in those moments where you have nothing else to say, nothing else to pray, but you know you need to pray…
…these rote prayers can be life-giving and Spirit-empowering.
They can breathe life into a life-less situation.
They can be peace in a storm.
They connect us when we have nowhere else to turn.
A little bit of memorization, a lot of reflection, can bring a lot of comfort when you desperately need it.
And relying on those who have gone before you to help you in those difficult (or celebratory) times can relieve a lot of uncertainty, anxiety, and stress.
My prayer for today
Our Father, thank you for the prayers of those who have gone before us. Thank you for the prayer warriors that have fervently prayed for and over us when we had no idea. Help us honor and continue the legacy of those who put their prayers to paper or keyboard for us to use later on. Amen.
Remember
Memorizing The Lord’s Prayer, as well as a few other rote prayers, might be comforting or helpful later on. A few minutes of practice can help when you need the words to pray for yourself…or for someone else.