Prayer without Agenda 

Do we ever consider that we might be praying purely for ourselves? That we might not be praying to God at all? That we may just be asking for things and outcomes that we want. 

If we are purely praying for ourselves, then we have to consider our motive once in a while. We’ve all had that situation when the only time we hear from someone is when they want something from us. And while there’s nothing wrong with petitionary prayer, that is, asking God for something, however, if that’s the only time and the only message, then what are we really saying? Are we trying to use God to give us what we want? Is it all about me and my desires? 

Even though petitionary prayer is a major part of our Catholic and Christian traditions, it should not be our solo approach. If prayer is about worship, and certainly worship should be involved, then that worship should not always want a result. Perhaps sometimes we should be praying just to be. To be with God. To rest in God. 

One of my favorite quotes from Saint Augustine is my heart is restless till it rests in thee. This short prayer says something about worship, it says something about prayer with no strings attached, it says something about understanding to search for inner peace, and it says something about prayer without agenda.

So perhaps one of the things that we can consider is this exactly. Prayer without agenda. There are so many examples of this, and of course, any prayer form can be in this category. However, the more we use our intellect, our imagination and our mind, the more likely we are to become distracted and have our thoughts and desires that move back towards what we need rather than just being present. Being present, specifically being present with God, was what Saint Augustine was talking about. my heart is restless till it rests in thee. 

It does tell the story of the search for inner peace, it also tells the story of God’s love for us, of God’s presence within us, and that the real reward comes when we experience God in our heart, not just in our minds.

Contemplative prayer, particularly silent prayer forms, such as centering prayer, eucharistic adoration, Visio Divina, all rely on us quietening down, not searching the exterior world for meaning, but rather moving towards the place where God dwells 24/7. In us. In our being, in our hearts, in our souls.

One of the most beautiful things about prayer without agenda is that it’s very transferable to our everyday life. That may sound like a contradiction, given the points I’ve just made about contemplative prayer. However, moving our personal agenda out of the way in other parts of our lives, decisions in the workplace, and conflicts in the family, All provide us with an opportunity to pray without agenda. That is removing our personal agenda to the rear of the bus. as soon as we do this, we immediately go into a quiet dialogue with God, giving God the opportunity to participate in our everyday decisions. 

This week think about this issue of prayer without agenda and how that plays out in your life. or has played out in your life, or may play out in your life. Having us come second in the priority chain and God coming first often needs a little more than a pause, or a reflection, for God’s will to be injected into the situation. What are your thoughts on the matter?

Litton Mill, Peak District, Northern England during Christmas of 2022

Reflection and Image Copyright 2024 Michael J. Cunningham

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