I’ve been reading through Scot McKnight’s recent book Praying With the Church. I am really enjoying his perspective on praying with a prayerbook or another tool at set times with the church. I came to faith in a church which valued what Scot calls praying in the church very much, but put little emphasis on praying with the church. That started to change a little bit at a time, first as my church in college would pray other peoples prayers as our own during the worship gathering. We called that the prayers of the people. At other times when I’ve visited an Episcopal church, Catholic church or Monastery I’ve prayed ancient prayers with the church.
        I’m with Scot in affirming that both forms are important, and that praying with the church is not meant to eliminate or take the place of praying in the church. The practice of praying with the church is for me however a place of deep connection with God and other Christians.
        One thing that Scot said is important in praying with the church (even if you are alone at home) is to pray out loud. That’s something I’ve never been too good at. I’ll read the book of common prayer, or the lenten readings, etc. but I usually just read them. As I was thinking about this today it struck me how I had fallen into the dualistic trap of public/private, body/spirit. I had always thought that if someone were to interrupt me reading through prayers there would be no harm done and they would politely let me continue. The reason I didn’t pray these out loud was for fear of someone walking in on me speaking my prayers. That seems so cultic, so charismatic… so bodily. I had willingly relegated my prayers to my “private thoughts,” rather than let them enter my bodily, public life.
        So I’m praying ancient prayers out loud now.

        ps – for daily readings, click on “Church Season” at the top of this page.