Kayla Hammond - Prayer as the Posture of the Decentered Self (Phenomenology Reading 2)

     In the first Chapter of the Phenomenology Of Prayer the author explains how prayers can represent the decentered self. He explains this concept through Mary the mother of God. In the bible it explains how an angel named Gabriel was sent down to tell Mary that she will bear a Son whom is holy. Mary's reply was "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:35-38)

In this reply it shows a prayer of decentered self for she recognizes that God is her creator and the highest of power. In addition to this she recognizes that God is the writer of her story. In another example God prayers in a form of decentering self too when he was about to face his death on the cross. In this he says "My Father, if it is not possible this cup shall pass without my drinking it, you will be done". 

In both of these examples God nor Mary knows the plan the Lord has for them yet they still are able to trust in the Lord and do as he pleases. In addition to this Mary decenters herself not only in prayer but in everything that she does, and recognizes that her actions are a form of prayer because they are done in reflection of her creator!

In Luke 1:39-45 Mary is carrying the son of God and she walked to Elizabeth's house. In this passage she represents a true decentered form of friendship because she was pregnant yet walked to visit her friend and share the love of Christ. Following this passage we are given The Canticle of Mary which represent another example of prays as the decentered self through her praise of him and understanding that he is in control. 

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