I am often asked the difference between prayer and meditation. What prayer and meditation have in common is that both involve a "turning within." When we turn within to meditate, we are interested in space, in growing more conscious by seeing the activity of our thoughts and emotions. We are the witnesses. Our egoic minds operate from a dualistic perspective, so there is fear and suffering.
Prayer is as fundamental to our inner lives, as breath is to our physical lives. It’s a word most of us have heard, and yet few of us grasp. Many of us have associations with prayer that are so confining, restrictive and even off-putting, that we’ve dismissed the whole idea of praying.
The growing number of people who call themselves “spiritual but not religious,” assume prayer is religious and, therefore, not appropriate for them. Even many who consider themselves religious don’t pray in a way that deeply resonates with them. Atheists assume, since they don’t believe in God, prayer is not an option.
Prayer, our oldest form of mind/body medicine, is also the most popular. According to a 2004 University of Rochester study, over 85 percent of people facing a major illness pray—a far higher percentage than those taking herbs or using other alternative healing modalities. Prayer is perhaps our most deeply human response to disease, and more and more evidence shows that praying has health benefits.
Since 1993, when medical doctor Larry Dossey wrote his ground-breaking book on the connection between prayer and medicine, Healing Words, scores of respected research has been conducted on the subject. The data documenting the value of prayer is impressive.
Prayer Time
Prayer is a game changer and a respite. A few moments of effective prayer can shift your consciousness from one of fear and worry to one of gratitude and love.
Making time and space for prayer can enhance the quality of your whole day.
Extraordinary prayers have been written and recited throughout the ages. Ancient mystical verses that have been prayed for hundreds even thousands of years, can profoundly affect your consciousness even as you move through the seeming mundane tasks of daily living.
From Buddhism to Islam to Christianity and more, sacred words touch the hearts of humanity. But the best prayer is the one that speaks to your heart. Finding a prayer that speaks deeply to you can feel like the long-awaiting quenching of a profound thirst.
What is a prayer/spiritual counselor?
A prayer/spiritual counselor offers compassionate listening and prayer as modalities for healing. Although often not associated with any given religion, spiritual counselors are gifted at guiding people towards compassion, self love, and forgiveness.
What does prayer do?
Many of us feel isolated by the burden of responsibilities, while others feel rudderless, without purpose, wondering if they matter to anyone. Prayer pierces the sense of isolation and loneliness so many live within. Through prayer, we can gain access to our courage, our wisdom, our clarity, our peace, our willingness to love and forgive. Gandhi said that prayer from the heart can achieve what nothing else in the world can.
Is there a right and wrong way to pray?
There may not be a right or wrong way to pray, but there may be a way that is especially right and unique for each of us to pray. I do think it is important to find prayers and ways of praying that speak to your heart.
Do I have to believe in God for prayer to work? If I am an atheist, can prayer still work?
You do not have to believe in God to pray, and yes, you can be an atheist and experience wonderful benefits through prayer.
What will prayer do for me?
There are so many benefits to praying: mentally, emotionally, and physically. Research points to prayer as a way to reduce stress. More deeply, prayer offers you a bridge to connect to the Infinite love of the Universe. Out of the connection, it is possible to transform your perceptions, leading you to a whole new world of possibilities.
How do I get started praying today?
You can pray right now simply by sitting in silence and focusing your attention on your breath. Put your hand on your heart and think of someone or something you love or some aspect of your life that you feel needs improvement, and focus deeply on one loving thought. Let that thought be your prayer.
