Prayer life and spirituality of minister

Prayer life and spirituality of minister

The first thing to suffer in a busy pastor’s life is prayer. We can succumb to the demands of our job and neglect the very source which equips us for ministry. Therefore, it is essential to develop regularity of practice in prayer prior to ordination. This is the anchor which can help keep the minister in right relationship with God amidst the demands of ministry.

The ordained minister’s life of prayer, as with the life of the Christian in general, is both corporate and personal. Therefore, both of these elements need to be included in the spirituality of the minister. To include the corporate in our prayer life means not only corporate worship (Eucharist, Daily Office) but also intercession as we live out the connections we have with all Christians, and especially those under our care. It implies an awareness that all lives are linked, and that relationships, with God and others, are the very life of the Kingdom.

The starting point for personal devotion is listening, having an attentive mind and heart. St. Augustine of Hippo teaches that “God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves.” The minister’s prayer life acknowledges that God takes the initiative in communicating with us and that he does so at all times and places. We are to attend and respond by offering all of our prayers, thoughts, words, and deeds to him; in other words, sharing our whole life with him. A variety of specific prayer practices and spiritual disciplines can help us pursue this integrated life, “practicing the presence of God.” (See Tools for Prayer and Scripture Reading, Understanding of Spiritual Disciplines, Rule of Life.)

Resources

The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence

The Priest and his Interior Life, Gregory Mabry

Ascetical Theology

a. Prayer life and spirituality of minister b. Understanding of Spiritual Disciplines c. Spiritual Direction d. Rule of Life e. Daily Office f. Monasticism & its role in the development of our liturgy g. Missional applications of ascetical theology h. Monasticism and mission i. Mystical & Contemplative Spirituality j. Tools for Prayer and Scripture Reading k. Vocation l. Discernment m. Gifts & Fruit of the Spirit n. Stewardship