This episode is a little different because the question that we received from Tumblr is about a specific text and so we’re going to approach this episode as a 2-in-1: queer the text and answer a listener question all at the same time. The question: is there really a right or wrong way of praying? What is the best way to talk to the divine and have we been doing it wrong all this time? Tune in to hear our answers.
Key takeaways:
- Brian’s stretching routine [1:17]
- Fr. Shay is MARRIED [2:32]
- Listener question from Tumblr about the “proper” way of praying [8:32]
- Let go of the anxiety about praying [11:07]
- There is NO one right way to pray [12:23]
- What comes to mind for Brian [13:02] Is being anxious when praying helpful? [15:16]
- Let your connection flow and try other ways of praying [16:49]
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Matthew 6:5-14
“When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you. “When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles do. They think that by saying many words they’ll be heard. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask. Pray like this: Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. “If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.