Chapter Five: Prayer and Prophetic Criticism
“The conversion of the world calls for a prophetic witness who dares to criticize it. . . . Critical prophets are people who attract others by their inner power. [They] are moved by what happens around them but don’t let it oppress or shatter them.” Henri goes on to describe these “revolutionaries” as having an inner freedom and a guiding vision by which “they know how to distinguish what is important from what is not.” Henri also suggests that we are “repelled as well as drawn to these critical prophets.” Who are some of the critical prophets in the world today? Do you see a critical prophet among your family or friends? How do they challenge you or threaten you?
How do you feel about Henri’s statement, “Praying, therefore, is the most critical activity we are capable of, for when we pray, we are never satisfied with the world of here and now and are constantly striving to realize the new world, the first glimmers of which we have already seen.” (page 115)
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April 13th, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
Collectively, I would consider most of the people that are in my life to be in some way prophetic,(maybe not like Isaiah, Daniel, or John) when it comes to my conversion as well as the world around me.
My wife told me last night that someone in worship yesterday was crying during the Easter Service. Well maybe our pastor said something that was prophetic that spoke to their heart, we both cry too! I believe that prayer brings us in tune with the collective voice of the Spirit that speaks to each of us in the struggle of life.
Prayer for me is shared in your prophetic comments, for those in need, or when fearful, or when alone in silence, or when it becomes difficult, or in the unknown, or discovering the Spirit in the unlikely. Prayer for me is living, loving, working, relaxing, agonizing, terrorizing, and exciting. Thanks, and
Happy Easter
April 9th, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
Dear Sharon -
“Something”
… we know it was God; had me check this computer (in the midst of vacuuming), when I am already running behind - for the Mass of the Lord’s supper and Proclaiming the Word - so need to be on time…..
So glad I “LISTENED” because your comment was very affirming to me. Yes, I forgot all about that portion of the book. God Bless You!
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and although I only retrieved link (on old incoming emails), because it wasn’t on today’s reflection. I am so glad that I did and the reflection was so appropriate too but I won’t go into that.
- Rose
April 8th, 2009 @ 10:30 am
Still thinking about hearing God’s voice, Rose, and some things have happened this week that are more intense than usual (I attribute some of it to its being Holy Week and people in the drama of what that means for all of us), and your sharing that, as you prayed God told you that it wasn’t about you at all does make me think of With Open Hands, receiving God’s Word and then opening up the whole situation with the other person to spiritual encounter. My experiences used to be that I had so little spirituality and prayer life that, almost all the time, I felt guilty, for my own stuff as well as for other people’s stuff. But, after I got into a church with Word and sacrament what you’re sharing has come to be more and more a reality and actually, sometimes, when God doesn’t seem to be telling me who is at fault, guilty, sometimes now I don’t even have to know but can just prayerfully rest a bit until some more things happen in our lives to point out the truth a bit more and that resting seems to come because I’m involved in knowing I’m praying not as I ought, but as I’m able and that trying to listen to God is wanting to be open to Him and He responds some how in some way. This is an intense week at any rate.
April 7th, 2009 @ 6:24 am
My pastor is a prophet. He is a black man leading what has historically been a white ethnic congregation. Our area of the United States is trying to deal with all the subtleties of racism. In our Bible study we are currently studying Exodus. Pharoah not letting the Israelites go to worship. I think the reason my pastor is a prophet is because he cares for everyone and has a vision of everyone being let go to be able to worship with each own’s authentic voice, not black over white or white over black or polka dot over the both of them. That’s a very hard job and quite often it doesn’t succeed because, in fact, people can be repelled by the present which is not calm and also the future which this struggle more and more is bringing into view. People feel most comfortable holding onto the old tattered past which actually didn’t work out the best–just like the ancient Israelites. Page 112 states the things that can happen very well. Feels like we are in the midst of prophecy here and I know there are many other things besides racism which our church is dealing with. When you try to be inclusive you’re bound to stir up the pot I guess.
April 6th, 2009 @ 8:57 pm
Greetings! I’m taking this opportunity to wish all of you either a Blessed Passover and/or Holy Week!
I also have a question about prayer that I have struggled with and I think this past weekend finally am getting a handle on it.
Does anyone ever pray for disernment and if the answer appears to be the “easier route”, we automatically think it is our subconscience and not from God? Also, I prayed when someone (and unfortunately someone one wouldn’t expect) was downright disrespectful to me from out of the blue. I prayed and was told that it was not about me at all and that I didn’t do anything wrong. Instead I apologized just because I felt it was the more Godlike thing to do and was treated more like dirt than before. Last night before going to sleep I kept replaying that scene and I could then feel God’s gentle presence telling me that it wasn’t about me and to let it go and in place of the annoyance was given to me many scenes of my day that I just took for granted. Does anyone else feel that if the message is harder work then the answer is from God but otherwise it isn’t? On Friday night I had planned on my schedule to go to a church service but returned from my day (of good works for others) totally exhausted where I felt I couldn’t move another step. I reluctantly gave into the exhaustion and went to bed at 7 instead of church and felt so guilty about “being lazy”. It took me sometime for me to “GET” that I was supposed to stay home and rest and not go to church. Does anyone have any hints in their prayer life of how to know what is our freewill and laziness etc., and what is God’s parental and loving direction of caring for ourselves? Before this blog closes, I would love to hear some of your experiences. God Bless all of you! To the Nouwen Society, I appreciate this means of having a “book club - prayer group” etc., in my own home on my own schedule.
April 5th, 2009 @ 6:04 am
I have just been introduced to Henri Nouwen through his book Reaching Out. This is simply amazing. Prayer has always been difficult for me. I am a minister who many times goes about my day having never consulted my Source of life. I sometimes feel that there are not enough hours in the day for all I have to do, but maybe I am doing what was never intended for me to do because I never consulted the One who “is.” Henri has helped to take me outside of my “Baptist” box, but do I dare to step outside my own understanding of myself, my world and my God. This is a risky step because there is a fine line between spiritual growth and deception. I guess that’s when I have to Trust Him.
April 4th, 2009 @ 7:44 am
For the first time in my long life I understand what prayer is. Thus, my praying isn’t just words only but also with feelings of fellowship. Utterly amazing.
Thanks Henri.
April 4th, 2009 @ 3:14 am
For me prayer is to sit with God in Silence to a fairly large degree. Sometimes there are verbal requests but as God seems to know so much about me it is wonderful to ‘just’ be with God . The hard part are the distractions that occur as the ego kicks in so a mantra is invaluable.
There has been some strong food in the readings at the moment. Keep up the good work please.
April 3rd, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
Unfortunately, we’ve had some problems with our website server over the last couple of days and it looks like we have lost some data. So, if you notice that a comment you posted recently is no longer on the blog, we hope you will post again. We apologize for the inconvenience and deeply appreciate all the contributions to these discussions. It is a beautiful community!
Blessings,
Maureen
Resource Coordinator
Henri Nouwen Society
March 31st, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
For me, prayer can be very difficult and a real challenge. I have my ups and downs and frequently find that I pray most for other people who are suffering or whose lot in life is far more difficult than mine. I speak to Jesus in a very simple and direct way. The other day I was very afraid about a “little mission” I had to perform and I stopped, took time out, gathered my thoughts in his presence and simply told Jesus: “Jesus, please get me through this. I’m afraid and I need your help.” The day went fine. As an extrovert - I find music is a great help to slow me down. It helps me to realize I’m in his presence. Prayer is better then.
March 31st, 2009 @ 9:41 am
Prayer for me is the inmost important thing in my life, I cannot start the day without it. For me it is talking about my experiences to God,confessions and the need for asking for forgiveness. things that trouble me, pray for the sick and needy and other happenings in the world and also pray for my “enemies” and then leave it all in God’s hand. I know that the Holy Spirit will guide me through the day,that is my strength for the day. I always thank God for his creation and the beautiful new day he has given me, no matter the weather, God knows what is good for us. He decides on the weather, and we crumble about it, because it is good to start conversation. Prophets in this world? I really don’t get involved with that, I am recently doing an intense bible study, just finished my first exam, and that involves memorizing concepts and pictures, also tons and tons of reading plus the reading of the books that are suggested to do so. I enjoy it intensely, learn so much more about the History and how it relates to the present time also, and most important about the everlasting love and faithfulness of God for his created people. A wonderful experience which I am glad to share.