Morningstar Prayer as the Posture of the Decentered Self

[The Phenomenology of Prayer]

Merold Westphal conceptualizes the idea of learning how to pray through emphasizing to the reader the importance of kenosis or decentering of oneself, self-emptying. Westphal writes "We do not detach ourselves from things in order to attach ourselves to God, but rather we become detached from ourselves in order to see and use all things in and for God" (Westphal, 2005). The importance of having a prayer dedicated to the God of love and mercy is an imperative action. Prayers become far more focused on expanding God's kingdom and glorifying Him when the focus is taken off of our needs and put on others. Since the God of the universe is a selfless, caring, and humble being, thus we must too act in such away to become Christ-like, or sanctified.

Westphal touches on the idea of silence as the presence of the Lord. She states "...it is the God who speaks in Scripture for whom we listen in the silence and to whom we listen as the silence" (Westphal, 2005). God is the stillness in the moment of prayer. Taking the time to sit quietly before the Lord, readies our hearts for the reading of scripture and communion with God. It is refreshing to hear Westphal explain important primitive factors that should be taken into consideration on the topic of prayer. Whether you have been praying for years or are new to the concept, Westphal is precise on these factors that will help aid in effective and meaningful prayer.

Reference: Westphal, M.(2005). The Phenomenology of Prayer. Fordham University Press.

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