What My Muslim Friends Taught Me About Prayer: Surprising Insights from a Mormon

Keywords

prayerful learning, cultural understanding, spiritual humility

Abstract

I’ve spent a lot of time in the Middle East. The Middle East is one of the most fascinating though deeply misunderstood regions of the world. Every time I’m in the region I learn something new about people, culture, history, civilization, language, food, or religion.

On a trip to the region a few years ago, I learned a surprising lesson about prayer.

The lesson was surprising for several reasons. First, I’ve been a praying Christian for all my life. What else is there to learn about prayer? Second, prayer is so simple, at least in its formulaic steps: address the Father, thank Him, petition Him, and close in the name of His Son Jesus Christ. What else is there to learn about prayer? Third, I taught prayer full-time for two years as a missionary. What else is there to learn about prayer that I had not learned as a teacher of prayer?  Fourth, I’m a parent that actively teaches and prays with my children daily. What am I missing about prayer that I should have already known?

The point should be clear: I was unconsciously in a mindset that I had nothing else to learn about prayer.

Original Publication Citation

What My Muslim Friends Taught Me About Prayer: Surprising Insights from a Mormon, LDS Living, September 14, 2017.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2017

Publisher

LDS Living

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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