The Stage

Some people think that prayer is like a stage manager who is putting on a play.  The manager makes space on the stage in which to do the production.  Then the manager writes the play, directs the production, the lighting, the sound, and hopes that all this work will make for a successful play.  This is the idea that prayer is all about what we do and how well we do it.  Success depends on us if we want to get anything out of the prayer production.  In fact, prayer is more about simply having an empty stage, free of clutter.  God does the production, and it is never the same play or prayer from one day to another.  So first we make the time to find the place for our prayer and then we let go of the clutter in our mind and heart, such as resentments.  Centering Prayer is one way of doing this.  My mind is always putting on plays.  I am the hero.  The spotlight is on me.  All others are supporting cast.  But this is never prayer.  No humility in my plays.