I Pray Because It Changes Me – C.S. Lewis

CS Lewis - Prayer Changes Me
CS Lewis - Prayer Changes Me

C.S. Lewis

I pray because the need flows out of me all the time. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.

Introduction

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C.S. Lewis is widely recognized as one of the most influential Christian thinkers of the 20th century. A prolific writer, his works on faith and spirituality have captivated readers for generations. In one of his most famous quotes, Lewis reflects on the transformative power of prayer in his life, stating, “I pray because it changes me.” This article delves into the significance of this statement and explores how prayer can lead to personal transformation.

The Impact of Prayer on C.S. Lewis’ Personal Relationships

Another area where the transformative power of prayer can be seen in C.S. Lewis’ life is in his personal relationships. As he deepened his connection with God through prayer, the way he interacted with others was profoundly affected.

Friendships

Lewis is well-known for his close friendships with other Christian intellectuals, most notably J.R.R. Tolkien and the members of the Inklings, a literary group that met regularly at the University of Oxford. Prayer played a significant role in fostering these relationships, as it enabled Lewis and his friends to share their faith and support one another in their spiritual journeys. By praying together and for one another, they were able to build a strong bond of camaraderie and mutual understanding.

Marriage

Lewis’ relationship with his wife, Joy Davidman, was profoundly influenced by their shared faith and commitment to prayer. As they prayed together and for each other, their connection deepened, and their love grew stronger. Even in the face of Joy’s terminal illness, prayer provided them with a source of hope and strength, allowing them to face their challenges with grace and courage.

Mentoring

Throughout his life, Lewis provided guidance and support to many younger individuals who sought his advice on matters of faith and spirituality. Prayer played a crucial role in these mentoring relationships, as it enabled Lewis to draw upon God’s wisdom and share it with those in need. By praying for and with his mentees, he was able to impart valuable insights and foster their spiritual growth.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer, at its core, is a deeply personal and intimate act. It is a means through which an individual can communicate with God, express their thoughts and feelings, and seek guidance and support. For many, prayer is a source of solace and strength in times of need. However, for C.S. Lewis, prayer held a unique significance: it was a transformative force, shaping and moulding him into the person he was meant to become.

Lewis’ journey to Christianity was a tumultuous one. As a young man, he wrestled with doubts and scepticism about God’s existence, ultimately embracing atheism for a time. It was only after years of intellectual and emotional struggle that he converted to Christianity, embracing the faith that would define the rest of his life.

Throughout his life, Lewis remained a fervent believer in the power of prayer. He believed that prayer was not merely a means to request divine intervention, but rather a transformative process that allowed him to grow closer to God and become more like Him.

The Mechanics of Prayer

In his essay “The Efficacy of Prayer,” Lewis outlines his beliefs on the purpose and function of prayer. He argues that prayer is not a means of manipulating God or coercing Him into doing our bidding. Instead, it is a process through which we align ourselves with God’s will, allowing Him to shape us according to His divine plan.

Lewis believed that through prayer, we open ourselves up to God’s influence, making it possible for Him to work within us and change us for the better. Prayer, in Lewis’ view, is a catalyst for personal growth and transformation, as it enables us to break free from our self-centeredness and develop a greater understanding of God’s will.

The Transformative Effects of Prayer

The transformative power of prayer, as experienced by C.S. Lewis, can be seen in multiple aspects of his life. Some of these include:

Spiritual Growth

Prayer played a crucial role in Lewis’ spiritual development, helping him to deepen his relationship with God and gain a better understanding of His will. By engaging in regular prayer, Lewis was able to maintain a close connection with God, which allowed him to grow in his faith and strengthen his commitment to Christianity.

Character Development

Prayer also played a significant role in shaping Lewis’ character. As he prayed and opened himself up to God’s influence, he became more compassionate, humble, and loving. Prayer allowed him to cultivate virtues such as patience, kindness, and selflessness, which ultimately defined the kind of person he was.

Emotional Healing

Lewis experienced great personal loss during his life, including the death of his mother when he was a child, and later, the loss of his wife, Joy Davidman. Prayer provided him with a means of processing his grief and finding solace in his relationship with God. Through prayer, Lewis was able to find hope and healing in the midst of his pain.

Intellectual Growth

As an intellectual and a scholar, Lewis was committed to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Prayer played a significant role in this journey, as it allowed him to grapple with difficult questions and seek wisdom from a divine source. Through prayer, Lewis was able to approach his intellectual pursuits with humility and an openness to God’s guidance, which ultimately enriched his understanding of the world and his place in it.

Creative Inspiration

As a writer, Lewis drew upon his spiritual life and experiences for inspiration. Prayer was an essential part of his creative process, providing him with the insights and perspectives that helped shape his works. Many of his most famous writings, including “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “Mere Christianity,” were deeply influenced by his faith and his relationship with God, as forged through prayer.

Overcoming Temptations

Like all human beings, Lewis faced various temptations and struggles in his life. Prayer was his primary means of overcoming these challenges and maintaining his spiritual integrity. Through prayer, Lewis was able to draw upon God’s strength and wisdom, empowering him to resist temptation and remain steadfast in his faith.

The Wider Influence of C.S. Lewis’ Emphasis on Prayer

The transformative power of prayer in C.S. Lewis’ life has also had a far-reaching impact on the broader Christian community and beyond. His writings on prayer and spirituality have inspired countless individuals to explore the practice for themselves, leading to personal growth and change for many.

Revitalizing Prayer Practices

Lewis’ emphasis on the transformative power of prayer has encouraged many Christians to re-evaluate their own prayer lives. By emphasizing the importance of regular, heartfelt communication with God, he has inspired many to approach prayer with renewed enthusiasm and dedication.

Encouraging Dialogue

Lewis’ writings on prayer have also fostered dialogue between people of different faiths and belief systems. His intellectual and philosophical approach to spirituality has attracted readers from various backgrounds, opening up opportunities for discussion and mutual understanding.

Spreading Hope

Lewis’ personal testimony of the transformative power of prayer has provided hope and inspiration to many who are struggling with their own spiritual journeys. By sharing his experiences, he has offered a powerful reminder of the potential for change and growth that can be found in prayer.

The Legacy of C.S. Lewis and the Transformative Power of Prayer

The transformative power of prayer in C.S. Lewis’ life has left a lasting legacy. His writings on prayer and spirituality continue to inspire countless individuals, both believers and sceptics alike. By sharing his experiences and insights, Lewis has provided a powerful testament to the potential for personal growth and change that can be achieved through prayer.

In today’s fast-paced, often chaotic world, many people are seeking ways to find inner peace and purpose. For those who are open to the idea of prayer, C.S. Lewis’ experiences offer a compelling example of the transformative potential that lies within this practice. By engaging in regular, heartfelt prayer, individuals may find themselves undergoing a profound personal transformation, just as Lewis did.

Moreover, Lewis’ perspective on prayer serves as a reminder that the act of praying is not just about seeking external assistance or intervention from a higher power. Instead, it is an opportunity to engage in a deeply personal process of growth and change. As we pray, we not only draw closer to God but also learn more about ourselves and our place in the world.

A Call to Action: Embracing the Transformative Power of Prayer

In light of C.S. Lewis’ profound experiences with the transformative power of prayer, it is worth considering how we might incorporate this practice into our own lives. Whether you are a believer or a sceptic, the potential for personal growth and change through prayer is undeniable.

Make Prayer a Habit

One of the most important lessons from C.S. Lewis’ life is the value of making prayer a regular part of your daily routine. By setting aside time each day to communicate with God, you can foster a deeper connection and open yourself up to His transformative influence.

Be Open and Honest

As you pray, approach God with openness and honesty, sharing your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. This vulnerability allows for greater personal growth and change, as it enables God to work within you more effectively.

Seek Spiritual Growth

Approach prayer with the intention of growing spiritually, rather than simply asking for divine intervention. By focusing on your own personal transformation, you can experience the true power of prayer, just as C.S.

Pray with Others

Engage in communal prayer, whether it’s with family, friends, or within a religious community. Sharing prayer experiences can foster deeper connections and provide support for one another’s spiritual journeys.

Reflect on Your Prayer Life

Regularly assess the impact of prayer on your life by reflecting on the changes you’ve experienced since incorporating prayer into your daily routine. This self-awareness can help you identify areas of growth and improvement, as well as provide motivation to continue your prayer practice.

Study and Learn from Others

C.S. Lewis’ experiences offer valuable insights into the transformative power of prayer, but they are just one example. Seek out other sources of inspiration, such as books, articles, and personal testimonies from individuals who have experienced the impact of prayer in their own lives. By learning from others, you can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the power of prayer.

Be Patient and Persistent

Personal transformation through prayer does not happen overnight. Like any worthwhile pursuit, it requires patience, dedication, and perseverance. Remember that change may be gradual, and setbacks are a natural part of the process. Stay committed to your prayer practice, trusting that, in time, you will experience the transformative effects of prayer in your own life.

Conclusion

C.S. Lewis’ belief that “I pray because it changes me” serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of prayer. His experiences and insights remind us of the potential for personal growth, change, and healing that can be found through sincere and dedicated prayer. By embracing this practice in our own lives and seeking to learn from the experiences of others, we too can experience the life-changing effects of prayer and grow closer to our true selves and to the divine.