It is communication from the heart to that which surpasses understanding. Prayer is private, even when we pray with others.
It's not for display purposes, like plastic sushi or neon. You may in fact be wondering what I even mean when I use the word "prayer." It's certainly not what TV Christians mean. I do not know much about God and prayer, but I have come to believe, over the past twenty-five years, that there's something to be said about keeping prayer simple. Read on to find out what they are in this excerpt from her book, Help Thanks Wow. Lamott closes her book with a discussion of the meaning of the word “Amen” and ways the supplicant can make this traditional closing word for a prayer more meaningful.Author Anne Lamott says there are three simple prayers that can get you through the good, bad and even the ordinary aspects of daily life. Examples of these prayers given to everyday events are also included. She examines each of these three themes individually and describes the circumstances under which they would be appropriate. The bulk of the book is dedicated to help, thanks, and wow, the three basic prayer themes identified by Lamott. For convenience she tells the reader she will refer to the recipient of prayers as “God.” In order to keep the reader from getting distracted from her lessons about prayer, Lamott indicates it does not matter to whom or to what a person chooses to pray. She indicates that prayer is a word or words of truth spoken to a greater force that is willing to deal with humans even though they may not yet have their lives completely together. Lamott begins the book by giving her own definition of prayer. In the book, which is not only a memoir of Lamott’s spiritual life but is also a guide to teach others the benefits of prayer, Lamott discusses how simple and heartfelt prayer can be. Lamott relates the story of her own damaging childhood in which she and her siblings were encouraged not to pray. In the scope of simple prayers, Lamott believes that seeking help, giving thanks, and expressing awe are the basic three purposes of prayer. In fact, she encourages the reader to not even concern himself too much with the force to which he prays. Lamott tells her readers that prayer should be kept simple. Three basic themes in prayer - “help,” “thanks,” and “wow” - are discussed by Anne Lamott in her nonfiction essay collection and spiritual guidebook Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers. NOTE: This study guide is based on the Kindle version of Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers, published November 13, 2012.
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