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Why Pray? Quote by C. S. Lewis

September 6, 2014 By Jean Wise

Why Pray? Quote by C. S. Lewis Healthyspirituality.org

Why pray?  Why do you pray? How does prayer affect your life?

These thought-provoking questions help us dig deeper into the purpose of prayer in our live.  Think about it. Ponder the quote below from C. S. Lewis about why we pray.

Journal your reasons for prayer.

Ask others and engage in a conversation about prayer.

I pray because I can’t help myself.

I pray because I’m helpless.

I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping.

It doesn’t change God, it changes me.

-C.S. Lewis

What do you think as you read this quote?

Certain words jump out to me and I love the passion in the first line about “because I can’t help myself.”  I know what he means but often my prayer life isn’t at that level of humble thirst for God.

The word “flow” touches me.  The concept of prayer flowing freely between this tiny human spirit and the Holy Spirit of God  – all the time, in all circumstances – inspires me to want that depth of prayer in my life.

And that prayer isn’t to change God but to change me.  To be honest, often I don’t want to be changed. I want God to do the work, transforming my problems into blessings. Me change?  That would mean I would have to let go of my pride, my ego-driven beliefs, my high expectations.

 And that second line: I pray because I am helpless.  I have heard the primary sin we all carry is that we want to be God. We want to have the power, the control.  One of human’s greatest frustration is the lack of control in our circumstances. We dislike being helpless.

To admit that helplessness and come humbly back to God – what a worshipful posture for prayer.

What do you think?  Why do you pray? How does this quote move you?

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Filed Under: prayer, quotes

Comments

  1. Colleen says

    September 8, 2014 at 11:33 pm

    I sooooo needed that quote today from CS Lewis. I have read it before many times but this time instead of teaching me, it inspired me. Sigh. Thank you Jean!

    • blankJean Wise says

      September 11, 2014 at 5:44 pm

      Hi Colleen. I do enjoy the CS Lewis quotes. Some people sure have a knack for words and thought provoking quotations. He is one. Glad you were inspired. have a delightful weekend!!

  2. blankmarthaorlando says

    September 6, 2014 at 7:32 am

    Two amazing quotes to get my Saturday off the best of starts, Jean. I especially love the one from C. S. Lewis – he’s one of my all-time favorite writers. Blessings!

    • blankJean Wise says

      September 11, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      CS Lewis is so wonderful. When I read him I have to slowly chew on his words. Thanks Martha!

      • blankmarthaorlando says

        September 11, 2014 at 7:12 pm

        Jean, I subscribe to daily quotes from C. S. Lewis from Bible Gateway. You might want to check it out. 🙂

        • blankJean Wise says

          September 12, 2014 at 11:41 am

          I will check that out, Thanks Martha. I love biblegateway!

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