What is prayer?

October 15, 5:38 AMNew Thought ExaminerAlex Marcoux

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What is prayer?

In my earlier article, “Vow to go deeper” I invited you to take a journey with me, to go deeper than ever before. The first step in this spiritual journey is to commit to it, as it will empower you. For those who have joined me, thank you for your presence. Everyone else – it’s not too late – take the vow, make a commitment to grow spiritually.

Prayer and meditation are essential keys to spiritual growth and communicating with Spirit. When praying, you turn inward and there is a shift in the energy field. This shift brings you to higher ground which inspires a dialog between your conscious self through your soul and God. It is your soul, you inner companion, which is the conduit between yourself and Spirit.

Why do you pray?

I realize that only you can answer that, but I’m sure many can relate to praying for health, wealth, career, relationships, loved ones, spiritual growth, or even wishing things were easier. May I be so bold to suggest something? Rather than praying that your life is different from what it is, perhaps you can pray to make the most of the life you already have. Your life is a gift. You’ve been blessed! Express gratitude for what you have and strive to make the most of what you have been blessed with.

I’m currently enjoying Entering the Castle: An Inner Path to God and Your Soul, by Carolyn Myss. In this book Ms. Myss describes some key differences between types of prayer:

• Repetitive prayer like mantras or the rosary may comfort people, but it “is self-generated, not a product of divine grace.” According to Myss, this basic form of prayer does not allow the person to “listen and receive.” When we pray using a repetitive prayer the words can lose their power since they can become “word habits of the mind,” and often we aren’t conscious of what we are expressing.
• In authentic prayer there is a defined purpose for what is being prayed for. That purpose is to communicate with God. Contrary to repetitive prayer you do not repeat prayers; instead you establish your own dialogue with Spirit. The prayer is your thoughts, your words, which can be more powerful than unconscious repetitive words.

Myss goes on to explore other stages of prayer in her book which include:

• Recollection prayer – in which you “re-collect yourself and pray yourself into wholeness.”
• Contemplation prayer – where you reflect on parts of your life.
• Quiet prayer – in which you have gone beyond the need to pray for anything other than “soul tranquility.”
• Union prayer – where you experience a mystical state of union with God.

Which prayer is right?

There is no right or wrong prayer. Prayer is a personal choice. If it brings you comfort – it works. If you feel the presence of God – it works. If you establish a connection with your soul – it works. Prayer is the way. It is the key. It will take you from the darkness and show you the light. Without prayer, you will not be able to stir your soul and converse with God.

In my next article, I explore Spiritual Mind Treatment, which is a scientific method of affirmative prayer.

Until then, include moments of prayer in your day. Track what you are praying for and record how the Universe is responding in your life. Don’t be surprised when you recognize Lifesigns emerging in your life.

Namaste.

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Photo by Sherri Seely