The Paradox of Prayer

By Anthony Van

Over the years I have engaged in prayer for a variety of reasons, in numerous settings and with variable application. Talking to God has become reflexive, sometimes intuitive—as though it’s something I just have to talk over—and it is often hard work. Bringing petitions about others is especially something that I have often endured as a chore that must be done.
So, it was with some surprise that, one morning I woke early and mulled over the concept of prayer. It was almost as if God was nudging me saying, ‘What do you think?’ Have you thought about this?’ In an effort to recall all my thoughts I’m writing this essay. It may be droll and pedestrian to some or even heretical to others but I’m writing it down for what it’s worth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anthony Van
• Release date: Apr 14, 2021

Anthony Van

What does a retired teacher do? Especially a teacher with a hyperactive imagination and ingrained work habits. Well this one writes. And being a Christian, each novel I have written necessarily is pieced together from a Christian perspective.I have a broad range of interests which include science and technology, mathematics, travel, sports and the interrelationship of people. Much of what intrigues me about people is that some pursue truth with the determination of a bloodhound while others almost ignore existential ideas and while away their short time spent on earth being distracted by people or pleasures or possessions or power.Writing is a hobby. It allows me to research and self educate, and it also permits me to refine my perspectives of concepts existential and theological.

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The Paradox of Prayer

An Essay

Published by Anthony Van at Smashwords

Copyright Anthony Van 2021

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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The Problem Paradox of Prayer

Over the years I have engaged in prayer for a variety of reasons, in numerous settings and with variable application. Talking to God has become reflexive, sometimes intuitive—as though it’s something I just have to talk over—and it is often hard work. Bringing petitions about others is especially something that I have often endured as a chore that must be done.

So, it was with some surprise that, one morning I woke early and mulled over the concept of prayer. It was almost as if God was nudging me saying, ‘What do you think?’ Have you thought about this?’ In an effort to recall all my thoughts I’m writing this essay. It may be droll and pedestrian to some or even heretical to others but I’m writing it down for what it’s worth.

My musings might have been initiated by my bedtime readings of C.S. Lewis’ ‘Letters to Malcolm’. Whatever the cause, a