Impossibly Possible- Decentering Oneself

Impossibly Possible- Decentering Oneself

9/7/15

(Phenomenology of Prayer)

The first section in the Phenomenology of Prayer focuses on the idea of decentering oneself when entering into a posture of prayer. As humans, we naturally center ourselves in relation to the rest of the cosmos. This is because we have a consciousness that perceives everything in relation to ourselves. The funny thing, when I think about this idea, is that every single person centers themselves as well. We literally cannot fathom what is like to have the consciousness of another because it would require us to consider that from outside of our own consciousness which is naturally impossible.

So, how then, do we come into a decentered posture when entering into sacred communication (prayer) with God?

Praise and adoration of God take immediate focus off of yourself and in turn, shifts the focus onto the Other. The book makes an important distinction between praise and thanksgiving: to praise is to thank God for who He is, whereas thanksgiving is thanking God for what He has done for me. While thanksgiving is a necessary and beautiful aspect of prayer, thanksgiving still leaves us in a centered posture as we are addressing God in regard of His relationship to us. However, praise is admiration and awe of the character and mystery of God. This section has served as a great reminder to enter into prayer with praise in order to decenter myself and place my life's authority and admiration onto God.