Part 7: Pray

The P disciplines provide a number of ways of entering into prayer. Often the exercises invite you to sit comfortably in a chair and become present to God. Though the posture of sitting for prayer is not necessarily rooted in biblical examples, it is the posture most of us in Western culture assume in order to concentrate on something or someone. Posture is an important part of prayer. The ancient Jews believed that prayer began with an intentional awareness of God’s presence: know “before whom you are standing” (Berakhot 28b). The inward posture of the heart preceded all outward postures for prayer. If you wish to explore or substitute one of the many biblical postures of prayer, please feel free to do so (see “Postures for Prayer,” appendix 7).

“Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.” —Brother Lawrence