The Purpose of Prayer

Prayer helps us stay connected to God and to be at our best. It is one of the easiest ways to build a strong foundation from which to live and work with balance, grace and impact. Lord knows (yes, the pun is intended) that it has perhaps never been as important as it is now when we are all dealing with an unprecedented increase in the volume and velocity of change and complexity in our personal and work lives.

Staying connected to God and to the source of God’s love and strength is a powerful way to build this foundation, and to keep strong when unexpected events take place.  It is easy to get distracted by our schedules, iPhones, deadlines and family commitments and just take God for granted. And while it is true that God is always with us, this is a relationship just like any other. It is a two-way street. We have to open to God and participate in keeping the relationship strong.

Prayers are a beautiful way to do this and one that we can fit into our schedules no matter how busy we are and no matter where we are. What is important for us to remember is that prayer is not about giving God a jump-start, it is about giving US the jumpstart. God’s guidance is always available to us. It is we who forget to access that wisdom and try to do it all ourselves. It is good to intentionally and regularly communicate and connect with God, not just in a crisis. Ongoing communion with God opens us to the flow of spirit and helps us live and work from much higher ground.

Staying Connected

But if you are anything like me,  sometimes it just isn’t easy to make the connection so in this blog, I’m going to share one prayer to help connect with God. I’m also sharing one for dealing with performance at work and one for gratitude.  Please let me know how they work for you. By the way,  I am building a  “Resources” page which will have updated prayers as well as other things like books, meditations, interviews and some useful coaching  tools.   It is a work in process  and you will find a link to that page at the end of this blog.

Prayers

A prayer for connecting to God:

Dear God,

There are days when I feel you as close to you as if you are sitting next to me. And then there are days like today when I feel lost and like I’m sinking. My attitude is poor and my outlook bleak. I feel unable to access your love, strength and power. Please help me remember that you are with me always. Please help me release every thought that is standing between us. I am completely willing to think and feel better. I surrender all false thinking to you and know with certainty that you will guide me into right action.

*****************************************************************************************************

Dealing with performance anxiety:

Dear God,

I am feeling super anxious about my own performance and I know when I feel this way I am spending more time worrying about me than focused on supporting my team. Please help me remember the things I am good at and give me the courage and confidence to be candid about the things I’m not good at so that I don’t have to feel like an imposter. Help me do my very best and accept that if it is not enough for a certain situation, so be it. Remind me that as long as I give it my all, with your help, I’ll be OK.

***************************************************************************************************

Gratitude:

Good Morning God,

I am out walking this morning before I go to work and the light is spectacular. I’m so grateful for the life that you have given to me. I am grateful for my health; I’m grateful for my family for the beautiful place I live. I am grateful for the privilege of leading others. I sometimes take things and people for granted. This morning as I marvel at the light, the flowers the fresh air and the morning dew that is on the flowers, I feel grateful and humbled for your love and for all of the gifts you have given me.

Resources

Copyright 2014. Sheila Madden, Madden Coaching & Consulting. All Rights Reserved.