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It seems like I have always struggled with prayer. I know I should do it. I try to do it, but often feel like I’m talking to empty space. I know about prayer because I read books and articles about prayer. I’m still searching, but Paul Miller’s A Praying Life has given some direction.

I found much to think about and to try out as I read. I was struck by the beginning section on Praying Like a Child. I don’t have to have it all together and know how to pray before I start, Instead, prayer becomes my response when I can’t do life on my own. I’ve found myself letting go more often instead of trying to control things I can’t control. I can come with my temper tantrums and questions and requests.

Throughout the book, Miller shares the stories God is working in his life and through his family as he prays. I found these stories to be the most powerful aspect of the book. Here is someone who doesn’t just know about prayer from studying, but someone who can share first person experience. As someone who knows the power of stories, I related strongly to the idea that God is weaving stories in our lives if only we look for them.

While I didn’t agree with everything Miller writes, (I’m not sure about his take on the Enlightenment, for example), I found more that was helpful than not. Flipping back through the book, I find underlined sentences scattered liberally throughout. I also found myself sharing quotes across social networks.

The first part of the book explains Miller’s thoughts about prayers and gives examples–stories–from his own prayer life (and prayer life is an integral part of the nitty gritty of life). The last section gives some tools that Miller uses to focus his prayers and keep track of God’s story in his life.

I am trying some of the tools and still thinking about much from this book–even when it feels awkward. As Miller points out, learning something new will feel awkward before it feels natural. I am excited to to see what stories God writes in my life.

What is your experience with prayer?