There is a fine line between a regimented prayer life and an opened free prayer life. On one hand, the more regimented assures discipline, but on the other hand, a freer prayer time encourages exploration and heartfelt communion with God. The goal is the same, however, to have intimacy with a Holy God.
I personally fits very well into a more regimented style. I like ritual and routine. I am not well suited for spontaneity or surprise. I like the thought of having a whole prayer time mapped out in front of me—just add a heart. A very regimented prayer time builds the discipline, teaches a rhythm of an entire prayer life. And, if done well, can lead to great theological depth. There is a part of me the truly desires the order that a regimented prayer life can bring.
The problem with this is that the more regimented one becomes, the more legalistic they lean. While there is much to learn from a regimented prayer time, there comes a time when one must step away and prayer on their own.
The balance, I believe, is in a disciplined prayer life. This takes some elements of the regimented—maybe becoming very regimented for a time, while at the same time, allowing for more freedom. We teach our children how to speak to adults, but before long they speak to them without coaching and it becomes natural and expressive. It is the same way with prayer. As we grow in our prayer life, the more we are able to speak freely before God.
We need the regimented to teach us the natural. I applaud those who take the time to regularly practice their regimented prayer time—may they be an example of discipline and dedication. May we learn that disicipline and help us to grow in disciplined freedom.
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