Ms [Lyndall] Bywater encourages clergy to engage regularly in different types of prayer rather than \u201cmaking prayer in our own image\u201d, she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChurch leaders will also often have people coming to them who are struggling with prayer, and it is important to be able to help them understand how their personality interfaces with their spirituality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre they essentially cataphatic: preferring knowledge and understanding? Or are they apophatic: preferring mystery and deep questioning? Do they love the task of prayer most, or the relationship of prayer? Where and how have they previously connected with God in helpful ways?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf leaders can ask these questions and understand how to help people based on the answers, then many more people would develop a deep love for prayer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOST people feel guilty about prayer, believing that they are bad at it, Ms Bywater says. Part of that comes from a \u201cwork hard, be passionate\u201d personality, and part from comparing themselves with others, she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While recognising that prayer is a discipline and involves choices about making space in our lives to pray, Ms Bywater says: \u201cWhat prayer is \u2014 the conversation with God \u2014 I refuse to believe it\u2019s possible to be bad at that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p> "One difficulty that faces ordinands as they leave the formation of their training institutions, is teaching prayer to an unchurched generation." Loved this piece. https:\/\/t.co\/RfaRNaP3gB<\/a><\/p>— Madeleine Davies (@MadsDavies) July 17, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>