We have now created 50 different episodes of Prayer Lab Minute for Faith. Before the pandemic started, we had Prayer Lab sessions for in-person prayer. We call it Prayer Lab because it is a place of experimentation, trial, observation, and learning. After the pandemic started, Pastor John asked if I could come up with something to bring Prayer Lab into worship each week. I was excited by the idea as we talked through what it could look like. And there you have it – an idea was born.

 

If you haven’t caught on by now – prayer is something that I have struggled with. I don’t do these Prayer Lab Minute sessions because I think I’m some sort of expert on prayer. In fact, I do these videos because I have struggled to pray – to find a method and rhythm to my prayer life that truly draws me close to the heart of God.

 

And so, I experiment. I see what works and what doesn’t. I try new things. I try old things. I return to things that worked before. I listen to ideas and teachers and monastic traditions because I am seeking a connection with God. I work with a spiritual director who challenges and encourages me … and who asks really hard questions. Sometimes I read books or do retreats that expand or deepen my prayer practice.    It has been an exciting, creative, and energizing process to come up with a new idea for prayer almost every week. I have practiced, tested things out, interviewed others, and worked to share something that you can try yourself. Of course, I’ve learned a lot about making videos – adding new equipment, like ring lights, microphones, teleprompters, and even setting up a “green screen” in the basement storage area with an old quilt. I think my husband was relieved when I found a teleprompter app and stopped masking-taping a script to his chest during the videos (especially when we were out in public)!

 

I deeply desire to know God, to be led by God, and to allow myself to be loved by God – and for me, these things happen best through prayer. I hope that you can incorporate an attitude of prayer into your daily life and continue with me on the journey of prayer experiments through the Prayer Lab Minute video! (There is a wonderful archive of them here!) And you’re always welcome to join us at Prayer Lab at 10 am on select Sundays via Zoom.