HIT Praying (High Intensity Training)

Apparently there is scientific evidence to show that we motivation decreases very quickly over time when it comes to exercise and the New Year. We join a gym and within a few weeks we've lost that interest and we end up cancelling the direct debit six months down having perhaps only gone half a dozen times. Will power is not enough. There has to be something that locks us in - like really enjoying doing it.

There is a similar pattern when it comes to disciplines of prayer, but there is also a negative spiritual thought that needs to be addressed. This negative thought is that if personal prayer during the week cannot be done at for a substantial chunk of time then there is no point doing it all.  If you have read the Screwtape Letters by C S Lewis then you will be familiar with negative thoughts like this. The book imagines correspondence between a senior and junior devil who are trying to "redirect" a new Christian - "the patient" - by the subtle implanting of thoughts like this.

Jesus says in the book of Revelation that he stands at the door at knocks (Rev 3.20) and all we need to do is open the door. But, you know well, that a door open ajar can have almost a powerful effect as a door fully swung open. 

Hight Intensity Training (HIT) demonstrates that even 5 minutes a day of sprinting or whatever makes a tremendous difference. Those muscle making hormones kick in and fuel a journey towards a better body.  I think there is a parallel here with prayer. 

I heard an Orthodox priest say recently that to begin with 2 minutes of the Jesus Prayer is a good enough start to the spiritual life. It's a sort of spiritual HIT. Anyone can do 2 minutes of something. It could be done anywhere at anytime.

Just don't tell Screwtape.