Preface: Naming Prayer--and God

(Bible Study notes)

First, a bit of background was discussed: Richard Foster, the author of this book, is a Quaker theologian, former pastor, teacher, and writer who started the international para-church organization Renovare', which encourages church renewal (through a focus on fundamentals of Christian life). The group discussed the Quakers’ rejection of religious symbolism such as baptism and the Eucharist/communion, but those who have read Foster indicated that one does not see that particular Quaker influence in his writing.

The book “names” prayer to help us more readily recognize God’s presence and work in our lives, and to be more intentional in our practice. The book names prayer in 21 different ways, and all apply to us in our walk and talk with God at one time or another.

“Countless people, you see, pray far more than they know,” says Foster. “Often they have such a ‘stained-glass’ image of prayer that they fail to recognize what they are experiencing as prayer and so condemn themselves for not praying.”

Foster mentions the “special problem” of naming God, since God is both Mother and Father: the group agreed with Foster’s point that God's “gender” encompasses and goes beyond “male” & “female.” We can't box God in—we don't have the ability.

Foster describes prayer as involving “movement,” and the group discussed his ideas that prayer takes us inward to Jesus, outward to the Holy Spirit, and upward to God. The 4 characteristics of  'Abba' praying (that is, praying to God as a Parent or intimate Being) were also touched on: strength, empowerment, nurturing, and caring.

Nota bene: Foster says, “Healthy prayer necessitates the frequent experiences of the common, earthy, run-of the-mill variety.” As Oswald Chambers has said, it’s no use to have spiritual “highs” on the proverbial Mt. of Transfiguration, if we cannot walk with Jesus down in the “demon-possessed valley” where the “rubber meets the road.” Remember…“Enoch walked with God 300 years…” (Gen. 5:22): the picture is one of steady, “ordinary” fellowship with God through all the different seasons and exigencies of life. “To be spiritually fit we need regular exercise in the hills and valleys of life!”