Sometimes, though, I’ve noticed that pre-written prayers are thought to be inferior by some. The argument goes that you’re just reading words on the page or reciting them from memory; you’re not really praying. The same people say that ex corde prayers are truly God-pleasing prayers, flowing out of your heart of faith.
This kind of argument completely misses the point. There are strengths and weaknesses of both kinds of prayers. While ex corde prayers can express our own faith very well from our heart, they can also be selfish and repetitive, focusing on our felt-needs at the moment rather than God’s eternal will for us.
Written prayers can certainly be read or recited mindlessly, where they just become sounds and syllables instead of an actual prayer. But, pre-written prayers also have a great benefit. Jesus demonstrated this by giving his disciples and us an example of how to pray with the Lord’s prayer. (Matt. 6:9-13) This prayer is a masterfully succinct way of seeking God’s will in our lives and asking for the blessings he has promised to give us.
Your Kingdom Come
Rule, dear Lord, in the midst of your enemies! Topple every idol throne and every power that raises itself up as a rival to you, both inside our own souls and outside us in the world. Create your kingdom of peace out of the chaos of our hearts. Give us a true and lasting faith in Christ and a fearless hope in your mercy. Help us by your Holy Spirit that we may judge and understand all things not by our own fallen vision, or human sense, but by your Word, which alone is truth. Enable us with all power that you supply to spread your kingdom of grace throughout the world. Produce the Spirit’s fruit in us while we wait here in hope for your appearing.
Blessings to you in your life of prayer.
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As an example of the "inferiority" of written prayers, or the preference for ex corde prayer, this quote comes from "The Shepherd Under Christ": "[the pastor] will open the meetings with prayer, preferably spoken ex corde" (p. 326).
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that there can be great value, especially in memorized prayers. But if you memorize it, and hide it in your heart, wouldn't that be the best kind of ex corde prayer?!
Good point! Also, interesting quote from "The Shepherd Under Christ." I certainly don't want to bad-mouth ex corde prayers, but saying they are the only or preferred way is a stretch. Definitely a blessing to be able to hide a prayer in your heart!
ReplyDeleteThank you for another blessed post. I greatly appreciate the Lutheran both/and approach to this subject.
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest that there is a third way we pray that is not often addressed? I have seen this one in my own life during times of deep grief. I have found that I can only stand or kneel mute before the Lord. Everything inside hurts and it is as if all I can do if groan inwardly. Perhaps I am wrong, but in this state, I am reminded of and comforted by Romans 8:26. I am reminded that God is faithful and prays for me when I have no words and when I cannot even pray a written prayer.
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26)
Good point, Lily! I think you are right in pointing out the comfort from Romans 8:26 in this context. We have been promised that the Holy Spirit, who dwells in our hearts by faith, steps in to take our prayers to the Father in times of our weakness. Great comfort there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts, and thanks for reading!