Searching in secret for God

Trail of pollen.

I keep thinking about the story I posted on May 10th about the boy doing all he could to help his lost dog find him. The boy actively laid down a trail, but he had let go of all the struggle and effort to locate his pet. Um, what does that have to do with our search for God and God’s search for us?

    I assume that each of us has a favorite kind of prayer that connects us with God. Mine is definitely intercessory prayer. Not a bad way to pray, but I wonder if I give it such a spotlight on center stage that other kinds of prayer don’t get much of a chance for even a bit part. I try so hard, when all Jesus wants is for me to be with God in all the different ways possible. I need reminders that besides intercessory prayer, like the little boy, I should lay down a trail of praise, thanksgiving, confession and forgiveness. Secretly I should be trying them all.

    Centering Pray is one way to lay down the trail and I’ve been fairly faithful so far, although in no way am I close to a habit. Centering Prayer is a secret way of praying because the benefits are God’s secrets. Cynthia Bourgeault tells us that these benefits don’t appear in our thoughts but in the ways we respond to life. I keep watching for results, but I think that misses the point. God doesn’t reveal all of God’s secrets.

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