In Others’ Words: Incarnation

There’s such a beguiling invitation in Paul Miller’s explanation of prayer …

I’ve heard prayer described as a conversation between me and God. I’ve been taught the importance of both “letting my requests be made known” (talking to God) and “being still  and knowing” (listening for God).

And then I stumble to my knees, humbled by the idea of prayer as a moment of incarnation … God with me.

Wait. Isn’t “God with me” a thought, a turn of God-speak, that we roll out once a year, when we’re decking the halls and falalalala-ing and singing about a silent night and a star of wonder and shepherds?

Emmanuel … God with us.

Oh, to think of each moment of prayer — the talking moments and the listening moments — as God-with-me moments. To stop and realize that when I pray, I’m in relationship with my Creator. Prayer isn’t about what I want … and it isn’t about what God wants — although I realize some of you may argue with me about that.

Prayer is about relationship.

Communion.

Incarnation.

It’s so much more than “Please” and “Thank You.”

It’s knowing and being known.

In Your Words: If you had to describe prayer in one word, what word would you use?