Prayer, a universal human experience, echoes through millennia and cultures. From the ancient chants of monks on Mount Athos to the quiet whispers of individuals in their homes, the impulse to connect with something greater than ourselves is deeply ingrained. Pete Greig, in his insightful book How to Pray, delves into this fundamental aspect of human life, offering a warm and accessible guide to prayer for everyone, regardless of their background or experience. This exploration, inspired by Greig’s work and the wisdom shared by Renovaré, aims to unpack the essence of prayer and how to cultivate this vital connection in our daily lives.
Pete Greig How to Pray Book Cover
The Soul’s Native Language: Understanding the Urgency to Pray
Our very word “prayer” originates from the Latin precarius, highlighting the precarious nature of life itself. We pray not only in moments of desperation but also in times of joy, gratitude, and awe. It’s a response to the multifaceted experience of being human. As Canadian psychologist David G. Benner beautifully puts it, prayer is “the soul’s native language,” an inherent posture of “attentive openness to the divine.”
This innate inclination to pray is evident across diverse personalities, even those not traditionally known for religious fervor. Abraham Lincoln, a figure of immense strength and leadership, confessed, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom … seemed insufficient for that day.” Similarly, Conrad Hilton, the founder of the Hilton hotel empire, considered prayer as the “hub that holds the wheel together” in a successful life.
Even in moments of intense personal struggle, prayer emerges as a natural response. Author Anna Quindlen, in her novel One True Thing, poignantly describes praying with raw emotion as she watched her mother undergo chemotherapy, “drop by drop by God-please-let-it-work drop.” Rock star Dave Grohl, despite not identifying as religious, admitted to desperate prayers during a time of crisis, revealing the instinctive turn to prayer in moments of fear and heartbreak. Elizabeth Gilbert, in her memoir Eat, Pray, Love, recounts her initial, almost hesitant, yet deeply sincere conversation with God, marking the beginning of a profound personal transformation.
These diverse examples, from historical figures to contemporary artists, illustrate the universality of prayer as a fundamental human expression. It’s not confined to specific religious contexts but rather stems from a deeply rooted human need to connect, to seek solace, to express gratitude, and to navigate the complexities of life.
Why Do We Pray? The Timeless Call Across Humanity
The urge to pray is not a modern phenomenon; it’s woven into the fabric of human history. Ancient cave paintings, dating back over 35,000 years, are believed to have served as spiritual invocations. Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, considered the remains of a temple predating Stonehenge by millennia, suggests prayer has been a central human practice since the dawn of civilization.
Despite the rise of secularism in many parts of the world, the human inclination to pray persists. Even in countries considered highly secular, like England, a significant portion of the “non-religious” population engages in spiritual activities, primarily prayer. This enduring presence of prayer in human life underscores its fundamental role in addressing our deepest needs and longings.
David Nott, a renowned surgeon who operates in war zones, offers a compelling perspective. Though not religious, he admits turning to prayer in times of extreme distress, acknowledging a divine presence that offers help when it’s most needed. His testimony resonated so deeply that artist Patrick Brill transcribed the entire interview onto a vast canvas, displayed in London’s Royal Academy, highlighting the profound impact of Nott’s honest admission of prayer in dire circumstances.
From ancient art to contemporary testimonies, the impulse to pray transcends time and culture. It’s a testament to our inherent spirituality and our enduring quest for connection with the divine. As Pete Greig emphasizes, the question isn’t why we pray, but how and to whom. For many, the answers lie in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
Jesus: The Ultimate Example of a Life Immersed in Prayer
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. – Mark 1:35
Jesus, revered as a central figure in Christianity, exemplified a life deeply rooted in prayer. Before embarking on his public ministry, he spent over a month in fasting and prayer. Prior to choosing his twelve disciples, he dedicated an entire night to prayer. In moments of grief, like hearing of John the Baptist’s execution, and after moments of triumph, like feeding the five thousand, Jesus sought solitude to pray.
Prayer was not a peripheral activity for Jesus; it was integral to his life and ministry. He prayed when facing immense pressure, when confronted with his impending death in the Garden of Gethsemane, and even during the agonizing hours on the cross. His consistent reliance on prayer underscores its paramount importance in navigating life’s challenges and maintaining a connection with God.
Following his resurrection, Jesus instructed his disciples to emulate his example. The early church emerged from a community devoted to constant prayer. Even as the church grew and leadership demands increased, the apostles prioritized prayer above all else.
The transformative power of prayer is evident in the pivotal moment when Peter, while praying on a rooftop, received a vision that broadened the scope of the gospel to include Gentiles. Similarly, Paul, immediately after his conversion, is described as praying. His letters are filled with prayers, petitions, and exhortations to prayer, emphasizing its crucial role in spiritual warfare, divine revelation, and fostering community.
The Bible consistently highlights prayer as a central theme, not an optional practice. It’s not reserved for the exceptionally devout but is presented as a vital aspect of a relationship with God for everyone. As theologian George A. Buttrick eloquently stated, “Prayer is more than a lighted candle… It is the pulse of Life.” A genuine relationship with God involves daily communion, intimate conversation, and attentive listening, much like the relationship God shared with Adam and Eve in the Garden and with Moses.
Finding Your “Thin Place”: Creating Sacred Spaces for Prayer
“Jesus was praying in a certain place.” – Luke 11:1
The Gospels note that Jesus had specific places where he habitually prayed. He also advised his disciples to find a private space for prayer, “go into your room, close the door.” The location of prayer matters. The Holy Spirit at Pentecost filled the place where the disciples were gathered before filling them, suggesting that spaces can become imbued with spiritual significance.
Ancient Celtic Christians understood this concept deeply, referring to sacred sites as “thin places”—locations where the veil between the earthly and spiritual realms seems particularly thin. Your “thin place” could be anywhere that fosters focus and connection with God: a favorite chair, a park bench, a quiet commute, a dedicated prayer room, or even a moment of solitude in your bathroom. Richard Foster, a renowned spiritual writer, encourages finding a “place of focus… somewhere away from the routine of life, out of the path of distractions” to become a personal “tent of meeting.”
Even when motivation wanes, a designated place of prayer can facilitate connection. Simply showing up is a declaration of intent, a commitment to be present to God, even amidst distractions or reluctance. Pete Greig shares his experience with daily devotions and 24-7 prayer rooms, acknowledging initial resistance often gives way to powerful encounters with God. He emphasizes that “99 percent of it is just showing up,” making the effort to be present to the God who is always present with us.
Where’s Your Chair? Cultivating a Daily Rhythm of Prayer
The story of an advertising executive who initially felt too busy to pray highlights a common challenge: finding time for prayer in a demanding life. His pastor’s gentle challenge – “I’ve always managed to make time for the things I really value” – prompted a life-changing shift. The executive acquired a rocking chair, establishing a daily practice of Bible reading and prayer for just twenty minutes each morning.
This simple act transformed his life, bringing greater peace, kindness, and focus. His “thin place,” the rocking chair, became a sanctuary for daily communion with God. This practice led to a radical life change, prompting him to leave his career and relocate to serve a church, demonstrating the transformative power of consistent prayer. Even during a terminal illness, he found strength and solace in his daily prayers in that chair.
His wife’s decision to pass the rocking chair down to future generations underscores its legacy as a place of spiritual encounter, a space for unburdening hearts and listening to God’s guidance.
Finding your chair is about identifying those places and rhythms that facilitate your connection with God. For Pete Greig’s wife, it’s dog walks and coffee shop visits. For a teacher, it’s her classroom before students arrive. For a student, it’s her car filled with worship music. Wherever your “chair” may be, visiting it daily can create a “thin place,” a sacred space for walking and talking with God through life’s journey.
“Lord, Teach Us to Pray”: Embracing a Lifelong Journey
The disciples’ request to Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray,” remains one of the most profound petitions in history. Jesus’ response was not dismissive but generously instructive, offering the Lord’s Prayer as a foundational guide. These disciples, who initially sought guidance, went on to become mighty prayer warriors, experiencing miraculous answers to prayer, healing the sick, and receiving profound revelations. They even found the grace to pray for their persecutors in their final moments.
Their extraordinary prayer lives were not automatic gifts but cultivated practices, learned through dedication and perseverance. Their journey began with a simple, humble request: “Lord, teach us to pray.”
Inspired by Pete Greig’s How to Pray and the wisdom of Renovaré, we are invited to embark on our own journey of prayer. It’s a journey of discovery, learning to communicate with God in our “native language,” finding our “thin places,” and cultivating a daily rhythm of connection. Just as the disciples learned from Jesus, we too can learn to pray, unlocking the transformative power of this timeless practice in our lives.
For further exploration and deeper insights into prayer, Pete Greig’s book, How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People, is highly recommended.
References:
- Greig, Pete. How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People. NavPress, 2019.
- Renovaré. https://renovare.org/
