Prayer in the Life of The Christian Martial Artist
What role does prayer play in the life of a christian martial artist? Most in the martial arts have an understanding, even if it is somewhat limited, of the role that meditation plays in one's spirituality. For the Christian, meditation should not be enough.
The Christian martial artist must go to a much deeper level, which is the level of prayer. Within the discipline of prayer, there exists the realm of focused meditation and this is similiar to that meditation found in the martial arts.
the focusing of the mind; the quieting of the spirit; the development of a relaxed state of awareness known as "sung", in the art of Taijiquan. The Christian martial artist is held to a higher and deeper standard of meditation and this is known as prayer.
Through prayer we are told to enter the presence of God, to approach the throne of grace boldly. Now, this is different than communing with some cosmic consciousness, or getting in tune with the universe or harmonizing with nature, although, I believe attunement and harmony with the natural order of life, as ordained by God should be a by-product of prayer and meditation.
In the discipline of prayer, God calls us to be still and know him. We are told by saints and Christian disciples to practice the presence of God. I believe that in prayer, we enter into a cooperation with God as he interacts with the world of his creation.
The Christian marital artist is held to the same structures as other Christians, when engaging in prayer. Christian Martial Artists not only need to be engaged in prayer but also need to live a life of prayer. How do Christian MA's integrate Luke 6:27-36? We are called to love our enemies and to pray for those who spitefully use us. As Christian warrious we must pray for those who would attack and assault us, both physically and mentally. We are called to turn the other cheek when struck even, if we have the ability to harm he who strikes us. This can only be done through prayer. So why do we as Christian MA's train in arts that are designed to hurt, maim and kill, when we are commanded to be merciful and pray for those who use us spitefully.
Christ could've called ten thousand angels. We have skills as martial artists; and yet Christ gives an example of mercy and prayer, "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do." This still does not answer the question "why train?"
Well, I believe that God calls us to train, that we might learn mercy and peace, through the indepth study of violence, and then teach others. Prayer is a discipline and we train as martial artist to be disciplined, and thus prayer, the deep prayer in the presence of God is integral as a meditative discipline within the training of the Christian MA.
Only through prayer can we who train in violence tap into the grace of God and learn of the peace the world needs. Through prayer we are called as warriors to contemplate and ponder the needs of others in our lives and of the world around us, this is called empathy. Through prayer, the CMA can resolve the seeming dichotomy between mercy and violence. Finaly, only through living a life of prayer can we veiw the world through God's eyes and truly understand why he calls us to a life of martial arts training.
Email: loki@ris.net
