In that sense, prayer is not just about talking to God but about walking with God. And what are my true desires, my deepest needs? What is going on in my fast-paced life anyway? As Lamott continues, she explains that truth-telling is difficult in the inner life in part because it involves paying attention to what is going on in your life and how you are interpreting/processing/handling it. But of course that involves honesty with ourselves. It would make me want to sit next to you at the dinner table. If you told me you had said to God, “It is all hopeless, and I don’t have a clue if You exist, but I could use a hand,” it would almost bring tears to my eyes, tears of pride in you, for the courage it takes to get real–really real. If you say to God, “I am exhausted and depressed beyond words, and I don’t like You at all right now, and I recoil from most people who believe in You,” that might be the most honest thing you’ve ever said. My belief is that when you’re telling the truth, you’re close to God. Lamott begins by defining prayer as “communication from the heart to that which surpasses understanding.” The best prayers are the prayers that communicate what’s really going on with us/in us/around us to God/Higher Power/Goodness/Howard (to understand this last title, you’ll need to read the book’s Prelude).
I even thought about using it in my class for first-year students, and even though I’ve now decided to recommend instead of require it, I will give it an enthusiastic endorsement in the classroom. But her writing is honest and thought-provoking, and if you are like me, you will find that her perspective helps you think about your own prayer life and the ups and downs of communicating your deepest needs and experiences with God (however you name Him/Her/It). If you are familiar with Lamott’s other books, you won’t be surprised by her irreverent take on Christian prayer. It doesn’t get bogged down in academic jargon but is an easy-to-read, realistic and insightful reflection on the three basic prayers.
This is another book review post in a series we’re calling “You Should Read This.” Check out Jason’s first post here.ĭoes your prayer life need a kickstart? If so, you may feel encouraged and inspired as you read Anne Lamott’s recent book Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers (New York: Penguin, 2012).
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