Simon Robson- Blog 9- Phenomenology of Prayer Reflection

Attention to Prayer

Simon Robson

12/12/2020

  In “The Phenomenology of Prayer” Bruce Ellis Benson and Norman Wirzba describe the importance of the relationship between prayer and attention. They describe the way that attention clears the vision of oneself and allows a humble compassionate and just regard for others. They make the case that without the discipline of waiting and attention we close ourselves off from the truth and grace of the world which consequently runs the risk of embracing a counterfeit world. A quote from this chapter says “Attention alone - that attention which is so full that the ‘I’ disappears - is required of me. I have to deprive all that I call ‘I’ of the light of my attention and turn it on to that which cannot be conceived.” They go on to describe the way that through this attention we can change our prayer from a monological speech into a dialogue. 

This began to make me think about my prayer once again. Working on my attention to prayer is something that I need to consider moving forward. One of the first ways that I need to think about doing this is changing where and how I pray. I often pray once I am already laying in bed ready to go to sleep. Being in such a comfortable environment I think makes it harder for me to have this kind of described attention. I also think that I need to continue working on removing the material world and its substance from my prayers.

This reading also made me think about why natural environments can be so much better for spiritual conversation. When you are out among the wildlife and everything else you are not as comfortable but you are susceptible to being opened up more. These environments will be less distracting without the material things that one might find in their room or house. What gives us this openness in nature though I am still not sure about. It is important to continue to experience this however and continue to have spiritual conversations and experiences in nature. 

This chapter also brings up a verse from Thessalonians that says “pray without ceasing”. I think that this notion of constant praying is also very important. I need to continue to remember that there is no reason I can only pray at certain times of day. It does not always have to be formal either. It is important to be constantly open to dialogue with the other no matter what. This is why it is so important to continue to go outdoors and be with nature more often as this is when we are most vulnerable to these kinds of conversations. I think that the more that I get out and spend time among nature the more I will be able to conversate with God and get more out of it.


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