Finding a Rhythm of Prayer: Something Greater: Lent Week 1

“there is something greater than Jonah here ~Luke 11:32b

Finding a Rhythm of Prayer

They say doing something over and over again only to expect a different result each time is the definition of insanity. I clean my house each week therefore it should be clean. I mow my lawn each week during the summer, so my lawn will mostly look the same. I pray daily, and… ah, that’s where the connection breaks down. Let’s insert the word prayer into the “definition” of insanity. “Praying over and over again only to expect a different result each time is the definition of insanity.”

Is praying while expecting a different result, in fact, insane? Paul has some insightful words concerning this matter. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it has been written: “He is the One catching the wise in their craftiness.” As Christians, we don’t operate by the standards of the world; we don’t, to borrow a phrase, drink the Kool-Aid. We think for ourselves and thereby can know that expecting a different result from talking and petitioning with our Heavenly Father is not crazy. Jesus said of God, “I knew that You always hear Me” (John 11:42). In the book of Hebrews, we are commanded, “Therefore we should come with boldness to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need” (4:16).

So, this brings me to your Lenten journey this year. Are you treating Lent mechanically by following the world’s definition of insanity? ‘I’m going through the same actions because that’s what’s expected of me, and I’m not expecting anything different; otherwise, that would be crazy!’

Out of our rhythm of prayer and repetition of celebrating the same events in the Church calendar, the Holy Spirit will bring out new and exciting results in us each time. All we must do is surrender our will (be moldable), boldly approach His throne of grace, know that God hears us, and realize that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

On this first week of Lent, take joy in finding a rhythm of talking with God about your life, concerns, hopes, and dreams. Allow Him to transform your repeated practice dynamically and always improve the present moment.