Baseline practice: A daily morning, midday, and evening prayer rhythm.

Prayer is all the ways we commune and communicate with God. Seen in this light, prayer is so much more than simply asking God for what we need. Prayer is the lifeblood of our relationship with Jesus.

Prayer

The Four Stages of Prayer

01 | Talking to God

We begin our journey into prayer (typically) through pre-written prayers that teach us the basics of prayer, sustain us when we’re exhausted, and give us words when we have none.

02 | Talking with God

We grow into a conversational relationship with God by learning to express the emotions, desires and all that is inside us to God.

03 | Listening to God

We deepen intimacy with God as we learn to recognize his voice amidst the noise and competing voices in our lives and respond wholeheartedly.

04 | Being with God

Prayer grows to a relationship deeper than words, where it is primarily beholding the God who beholds us in love, a mode of prayer called contemplation.

  • • What is the best time of day for me to engage with God? What can I adjust in my schedule?

    • What resources are helpful for me in prayer? Pre-written prayers (from Scripture, liturgies, or other sources)?

    • How long have I been a disciple of Jesus? What do I need in prayer at this stage of faith?

    • What matters most to me? Can I talk with God about this?

    • Where do I notice resistance in prayer? Press into that. God is likely at work.

    • Who can I invite into prayer with me or for me?

  • Experience

    • Reserve time in Soma’s prayer room

    • The Prayer Practice (a four session learning and practice experience from Practicing the Way)

    • The Daily Office – A guide for “fixed hour prayer,” adapting the daily prayer rhythm from the Book of Common Prayer. Print this resource double-sided, then fold in half to make a booklet.

    • The Examen – A regular prayer exercise to help you notice where God is at work in your life

    • Lectio365 – Daily guided meditations on Scripture from 24/7 Prayer

    • Inner Room – A simple tool to structure a daily prayer rhythm

    • Every Moment Holy (vols. 1-3), by Douglas McKelvey – Poetic liturgies for everyday life

    Read

    Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, by Tyler Staton

    A Praying Life, by Paul E. Miller

    How to Pray, by Pete Greig

    Beholding, by Strahan Coleman

    Listen

    “Longing for God” (Soma Midtown teaching, 2/25/24)

    ”Prayer Without Ceasing” (Soma Midtown teaching, 3/17/19)

  • When you want to try other rhythms beyond the baseline invitation:

    • Pray the Lord’s Prayer in extended form (pausing to expand on each phrase with God)

    • Attend or host a prayer gathering Soma’s prayer room

    • Take a prayer walk in your neighborhood

    • Write and pray your own lament

    • Practice the daily Examen

    • Create a piece of art or music as a prayer