What Does Sex Teach Us About Prayer?

"For sex is one of those mysteries which, like prayer, will not yield to technique, and any approach with a view of technical mastery will be doomed from the start." - Mike Mason, Mystery of Marriage

I was rereading Mike Mason's book, Mystery of Marriage this morning and came across this quote. It was his inclusion of the little phrase like prayer that stuck out at me. Here Mason is highlighting an important aspect of sex that its foundation is the relationship between the two spouses. While sex does increase the intimacy between two partners, the increase is built upon an already established intimacy. Sex does not establish deep intimacy but presupposes it. Therefore any technique in the sexual act is ultimately rewarding only by way of an already established love between two people.

Prayer is just like this. If you are so focused on the techniques of prayer, then you misplace the intended purpose. Prayer is a gift to Christians that enhances our intimacy with God. If we focus on the techniques, the good feelings, or the pleasure of it, we miss the purpose. Techniques of both prayer and sex are not the source of pleasure. The source of pleasure is the relationship. A misplaced focus only brings about frustration and distance in the relationship.

Therefore, I want to leave you with the exhortation to strive to spend time with Jesus and allow the techniques to fall in line.