Where do you pray?

Recently, while hanging out with some of my Sudanese friends from The Lost Boys Foundation, I was asked by one of them, "where do you pray?" I hesitated with my reply because I was a little confused and caught off guard by the question. He followed up with, "Do you go to St. Bartholomew's or the Cathedral?.." Ah, I understood. He meant to ask "Where do I go to church?" I answered with, "I go to a small non-denominational church downtown." However, for days now his question has lingered and replayed in my mind. The phrasing of his question seemed far more essential and pertinent to a real faith journey. After all, the particular location of my Sunday gathering rarely has a lasting impact on my spiritual growth. Sure, great corporate worship or an especially thought-provoking sermon or homily can recharge me as I prepare for the coming work week. And, I don't mean to discount the importance of community. But I find, for me, nothing is more important than prayer that most closely resembles a constant conversation with God throughout my day. After all, the God of the Universe, the same one who created palm trees, polar bears and Pike's Peak, for some unexplainable reason wants to hang out with me. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." -Matthew 11:28. Throughout Psalms, David is a wonderful example of this constant stream of prayer. In battle, in perceived defeat, in shame, lost in exuberant moments he turns to the Father for renewal and praise. Considering this, my answer to my friend from Sudan is "I pray in the morning, I pray in befuddled fear, I pray in laughter, I pray in my bedroom and in my office, I pray in the place where I stand acknowledging that I am surrounded by Christ, my savior."