Relationships. Prayer. Spontenaity

Heather and I went on a date this past Friday. We are trying to work our way through a book called Ten Great Dates before you Say I Do. The point of this book is to outline topics to talk about before marriage over a nice dinner. I agreed to do this; It is very important that we talk about these issues both on our own and with a premarital counselor. However if we continue life with a book that guides our every discussion, how intimate can we become? What would happen to our spontaneity? Could we have a true relationship that is indepent of outside influences?

As I look at my experience with prayer, I feel that I have been taught to use a guided discussion, just like the ones that we would find in that book. I have been taught how to pray through a certain format or to pray as if we were reading off of a list. To be honest I have taught this style as well. Formated prayer has value; spiritually, historically and communally, but so do unstructured prayers. As much as structure may help us grow and make sure things are covered, unsturctured prayers give that spontaneity to our personal relationship with God. Spontenaity keeps the sparkle of a new or refreshed relationship with God.

Clear your mind. Get on your knees. See what comes out and where you go.