Chapter 2

For me Chapter 2 really hit home.  I have struggled off and on this year in feeling the Lord especially through prayer.  Since I have normally been someone that loves prayer, this has been frustrating.  I really identified with a lot of things that Foster said.

Things that stuck out.  page 18. "God is always present with us--we know that theologically--but there are times when he withdraws our consciousness of his presence." I identified with praying and feeling as if my words were empty, "nothing helps" I also liked the stripping of "exterior" and "interior" results. I feel this is something I have been experiencing as well.

one question I had comes on page 19 "darkness is a definite experience of prayer.  It is to be expected, even embraced."  Is Foster speaking of the despair of not feeling the Lord?  and if so, is that truly an aspect of prayer? or really of our hearts? I don't know if that makes sense.

My other question is at the bottom of page 19. Foster makes the statement "God grants us perfect freedom because he desires creatures who freely choose to be in relationship with him."  Since I believe that we are elected by God to be saved, I have trouble with this statement.  what did you all think? I will write more this week.

Lauren

Chapter 1

What did everyone think of Chapter 1? (and the intro?)

I know some of you haven't gotten the book either in the mail or been able to purchase it.

I really liked the first chapter and felt it was really easy to read and to get into, so far I like how Foster writes.

Some things I liked: the opening sentence "we today yearn for prayer and hide from prayer" I can think of so many times where I've had a great desire to be on my knees praying but my mind runs to things I think I have to get done "first" Ithought the intro passage was an accurate description of myself at times. Thinking that I have to be "good enough, or know enough in order to pray rightly"

What did you all think about the "simple prayer" ?

My last thought for now is that I really liked on page 13 at the bottom where he talks about how you wouldn't put an occasional jogger into a marathon race, and how we must not do that with prayer either. I've noticed that the more I pray daily--with people, by myself, prayer walking the campus it becomes easier for my words to come out and for my mind to be more focused. When I take breaks from praying daily it is a struggle to pray in groups or even by myself. I thought it was cool how he compared it to an exercise.

What did you all think? Lauren S