Praying With the Executive Functions
The executive functions are the mental and emotional tools with which we face a day’s work; it’s common to find lists of six, eight or twelve functions. I’ve been prayerfully considering a list of eight and how I might pray for my use of and growth in these areas of life. In no particular order, here are the eight executive functions I’m using for this exercise: Self-Monitoring, Flexible Thinking, Emotional Control, Impulse Control, Organization, Working Memory, Planning & Prioritizing, Task Initiation.
What I’ve written is my first attempt to lay out a day of prayer for each with a prayer for the morning, for use throughout the day, and in the evening. There’s also a brief scriptural meditation for each. The plan is not to sit and pray through all eight executive functions at once. I’ve seen in my own life that seasons of need come and go, and daily tasks and requirements come and go. The plan is to recognize what is demanded by the time, and to pray for one or two needful functions.
These are my thoughts and prayerful responses to the eight executive functions listed above. As a Priest and a Spiritual Director I have a bit of experience with prayer. Since I’m not a cognitive or neuroscience specialist I have limited understanding and academic experience with the executive functions. Please take this work as an effort to faithfully pray and honor God in the work and flow of daily life, not as neuroscience in any form. That’s not a dodge, but an invitation! Help me out with this project of prayer. What nuances could you bring to my understanding of the executive functions, as well as prayer or scripture? I’m always open to hear and learn from others as I swim in these deep waters.
May God be honored in all of this, and God’s beloved world served by it. And please, Lord, help us all to be more joyful, peaceful, effective and productive in the daily intentions we bring to you in prayer! Amen.
With peace & prayers,
Rev. Todd Thomas
Click on the image above for the document!
toddthomas.net 