Sydney Grogan - Reading Reflection 6 - Entry 15

 Phenomenology of Prayer, reflection from page 15


As I said in my previous entry, I have decided to dedicate each of my reflections on the Phenomenology of Prayer to singular pages rather than sections, as each message is so powerful that, in my opinion, each deserves its own reflection. 

On this particular page, in fact, the directly following page, prayer is discussed as the deepest de-centering of the self. Prayer really is the deepest de-centering of ourselves, as we are putting God in the center, rather than ourselves. Fully praising God, as I said in my last entry, means that we are recognizing something as better than ourselves. This is what detaches us from ourselves & puts God at the center. My interpretation of 'center' in this context is the main focus, a total preoccupation. Humans cannot help but to put themselves in the center. So, when someone is praying & truly giving their praise to God, they have removed themselves from their own personal center & replaced it with the Holy Spirit.

I briefly remember discussing this in class, but I do remember Professor Redick describing 'kenosis' while we were on the subject. Kenosis literally translates to 'self-emptying'. Kenosis is at the heart of putting God at the center, as you must wholeheartedly empty yourself for Him in order to be completely & utterly receptive of his will. 

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