Essay

Teach Us to Pray – Authentically

By Rev. Dr. Roger Braun, Retired Methodist Minister, guest columnist

“Teach us to pray,” asked the disciples to Jesus in Luke 11:1. Praying is at the heart of Christian discipleship. Yet, our prayers can become just a jumble of words that have nothing to do with the practice of a real prayer life. I would like to propose that prayer can be a tool to increase the character of authenticity. To become authentically human and your true authentic self, it will take a lot of real prayer time. Prayer is a process of self-reflection. During prayer, a person reflects on what their values are and how they are living them out. During prayer, a person can honestly confront their strengths and their flaws without guilt or pride. After all, prayer is talking to God, and God loves honesty. Being totally authentic before God is an awesome feeling.

Being an authentic person is all about being consistent with your words and actions. It starts with God. God created each of us as God intended. It is God who puts inside us the Holy Spirit to imprint upon our souls God’s values, ethics, love, and morality. It is then up to us to live out those core character traits by becoming authentic in word and deed. In what ways can we improve our authenticity? You might try Journaling, practicing the presence of God, and, of course, prayer. What about your relationships? Do you attract like-minded people who appreciate and encourage you? Be honest, but kind. There is a world of difference between being brutally honest and honestly brutal. Have you ever thought about embracing your flaws and mistakes and celebrating your strengths? They make up who you are.

Authentic people bring all that they are and offer themselves for service in the world. For a healthy prayer life – present your whole self to God, and God will help you to become authentic.