The Phenomenology of Prayer - Christina Lobosco

Praying through a decentered self must be developed through practice.  One must practice self-emptying in order to be filled with God. In other words, “For this work of kenosis, Jesus Christ serves as a paradigm, since we see in him the full adoption of humanity’s responsibility for the other person.”  Once developing kenosis, prayer leads to the breakdown of language, inevitably creating a love language through God. This love language not only elevates the prayer life with God, but it deepens the experience/interaction.
With the constant noise that surrounds us, it was emphasized to acknowledge the importance of silence during prayer.  Without the silence, we cannot listen to the voice of God. Our voice, our stress, our noise, etc. is clouding our encounter with God.  One way God speaks to us is through scripture. Once engaged in kenosis, there is nothing more important than furthering the connection with God.  To obtain this connection, listening to God through scripture is required to be silent to hear his voice.
In solitude, followers are about to reflect upon the five elements of prayer: praise, thanksgiving, confession, petition (for self), and intercession (for others).  These elements were able to compartmentalize for us to better understand the gifts we are given by God through prayer. It is easy to acknowledge God, but it is necessary to praise Him.  Whether it be gifts for our self or through others, God has given us the ability to connect through prayer.

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