The Road To: Relationships

The Road to: Relationships

You will have heard Pastor Leanne say in recent Sunday Services, “Community Presbyterian Church welcomes all people into God’s way of life and community.”  That is our Vision of what we are, with God’s help, doing. And this is based on our Mission to glorify God and make disciples by living into authentic relationships with God and each other. So, this is why relationships come into our focus today, and questions about how this relates to prayer.

Prayer does not change God, 
but changes him who prays.
Soren Kierkegaard

I used this Kierkegaard quote in a post a few months ago, but it seems like it fits even better in this discussion.

Over the last year we’ve considered why we pray and the impact of prayer on insights, love, answers, expectations, wisdom, etc. What is the impact of prayer on our relationships? And, conversely, what is the impact of our relationships on our prayer life/practices?  Are you starting to have a few thoughts?  Let’s unpack this.

There are spiritual questions, philosophical questions and practical questions surrounding relationships. (You may like to consider them and comment below)

Spiritual:
Does prayer help me connect with God? I think we can all agree it does, but…
How does a prayer develop your relationship with God? Are you now asking yourself different (or more difficult) questions as a result of your prayers?

Does prayer help me better understand myself? Again, maybe we can agree that it does, but …

When praying, let’s say for forgiveness for something, do you probe deeper to understand why you did or said something that is in need of forgiveness? When praying, do you consider what others may be hearing or seeing or inferring from your behavior, statements or manner?

Does prayer give me direction? How does prayer help you interpret a new or modified direction? How does prayer help you respond to taking a new direction?

Philosophical: 
How does prayer change relationships?  For me, the insight gained from prayer can change my perception of the problem or issue. That alone can lead to changing a relationship – either for the good or the bad. What about you?

Does your prayer change others? What if you pray for a change in someone else’s perspective on an issue you disagree about? (no politics please - that’s a powderkeg unfortunately)

Practical:
Can prayer by itself resolve conflicts? Or, is there more to it? Don’t we each, individually, play a major role?  How has that worked for you? Has prayer made any of your relationships healthier?

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things
 I cannot, together we can do great things.”
Mother Teresa

“. . . tell me more?” What do you feel that is different when you are in a relationship that is backed by or based on prayer?  Do you think differently?  In my earlier life, I can recall the great benefit of asking the question, “can you tell me more?” Doesn’t the issue or point of the discussion become more clear? If you can’t ask that question, can you imagine it in prayer – kind of like a role play exercise? How does prayer help you reflect on the other side of the discussion, argument or issue?

Does or Can a relationship impact prayer?  

If you pray with others, does that give you a feeling of belonging or support? Does it improve your prayer experience? (will you add comments below?)  Relationships with others certainly can give us an opportunity to reflect on our position on an issue and consider alternative actions.  If you pray with others, does it strengthen your faith?  When in grief, does praying with others give you comfort? Praying with others can lead to more meaning in prayer and can strengthen the bond with your prayer partner(s). How have your relationships been impacted by your prayer activity?  How have your prayers been impacted by your relationships? [Big questions - will you share some answers below??]

A prayer to consider:

Thank you, God, for the gift of relationships, both with You and with others.

Help me, through prayer, to deepen my connection with You. May my heart be open to Your love and guidance. Grant me the strength to trust in Your plan for my life.

Teach me, through prayer, how to better understand and love others. May I be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. Help me to build strong and meaningful relationships with those around me.

Thank you for being here for me.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Praying for you,
PB

Community Presbyterian Church
32202 Del Obispo
San Juan Capistrano. CA 92675
949-493-1502 
info@sjcpres.org