[Unedited] Roberta Bondi with Krista Tippett

Personalized Prayer

Roberta Bondi emphasizes the importance of personalizing prayer practices to suit individual needs. She argues that there is no single correct way to pray, and encourages people to find their own path, whether it involves many words or few 1. Bondi also addresses the internal struggles that can hinder prayer, such as past wounds or destructive images of God. She suggests a gentle approach to prayer, allowing individuals to redefine their relationship with God over time 2.

God's got plenty of time. And we're not doing this because we want to be good people or we're following a command, but because we're made to long for god and it's for our own well being and happiness.

--- Roberta Bondi

This approach helps individuals find comfort and safety in their spiritual practices.

   

Starting Prayer Journeys

The journey to prayer often begins with personal experiences and realizations. Roberta Bondi shares how her own journey was sparked by a personal crisis and the teachings of the desert fathers and mothers 3. She highlights that any reason to start praying is valid, as prayer is an integral part of everyday life. Bondi recounts a story of a monk visiting the desert, illustrating the diversity of prayer practices and the importance of finding one's own way 4.

Any reason to begin a pattern of prayer is a good reason, because prayer is about everyday life.

--- Roberta Bondi

This perspective encourages individuals to embrace their unique motivations and methods in their spiritual journeys.