The Prayer Thread is a collection of teachings and practical prompts to help as we learn to pray in community. This text was originally delivered on May 8, 2024 as a short teaching at our online weekly prayer sit.
Water soothes wounds that have been punctured. Like water, the comfort of memorized words in formulated prayers also soothes hurts and discomforts. Prayer is like water when it soothes.
Water revitalizes that which has dried up. Like water, returning to familiar habits of prayer—like standing, sitting, kneeling, coming together on a certain day, and singing the words of a familiar tune—can give new life to dry bones. Prayer is like water when it revitalizes.
Water deeply penetrates all of the spaces it enters into. Like water, new images for God, new methods of prayer, new groups of people to pray with, can open one up to touch places that may have been unknown before. Prayer is like water when it penetrates.
Water saturates that which it comes into contact with. Like water, moments of prayer can be all- consuming, so much so as to sweep up the entirety of one’s life and guide it in a new direction. Prayer is like water when it saturates.
Water flows, freezes, and evaporates. It adjusts and changes with its surrounding conditions. Like water, prayer practices change over time, adjusting to the person’s development and
nourishing the soul’s shifts. Prayer is like water when it adjusts.
Water can take the form of fog. Like water, periods of prayer can shroud reality in mystery, luring the soul toward the beauty in unknowing. Prayer is like water when it mistifies.
Water can refract waves and project the colors of a rainbow in a clear sky. Like water, prayer can bring astounding insight and clarity. Like water, prayer brings the clarity of wisdom.
Water is used for cleaning. In prayer it is associated with healing and blessing and initiation. May we give thanks for the gift of water and honor water through our prayer!
