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What is Prayer?
Prayer is the act of attempting to verbally communicate with the supernatural. In most cases, this is God. It can be a private or a group experience. It can be formal or informal. Your Daily Bread Prayer is the very soul and essence of our spirituality. It doesn't matter who you pray to, but it is important that you pray. It is the very core of man's life. Therefore begin your day with prayer and make it resonate from your soul so it can carry you through the day, if needed. End your day with prayer to help assure a peaceful night's rest. What is prayer? Simply put, prayer is a direct route to joy and peace of mind. Imagine what the world would look like if we were all prayerful, filled with joy and actively sought peace? How different our days would be! Let me tell you a little secret: If you are more prayerful, joy filled and peaceful, you will see the world as such, also, AND you would attract more positive people and events into your life. The first step to peace begins right in our hearts!
What is Prayer?
God and spirituality-what is this all about? Visit my sister website, but be sure and come back! What is Prayer Who Prays? We all do, even if we are not completely conscious of it and whether or not we have a strong belief or faith in a higher power. We have all probably said or heard someone say: God help me; Heaven help us. We may also find ourselves pleading or asking for help or guidance. Even those without a strong belief in a higher power, do this. "Help me, please" and "Oh, what should I do now?" are some examples. Sometimes we pray in frustration, such as when things just go whacky. Just look up and release the tension. Remember that there must be some reason for the situation and say, "Jesus, I give this to you.." You can even throw in one of my favorite little prayers which is, 'Help me, please. I'm ready.' Sometimes we pray in Darkness. You know you've been here-this is when you feel in your lowest, darkest place. This is the toughest time to have faith, and drumming up faith isn't easy. This is when you really must have Faith, and you pray for Faith. Being in this dark place isn't such a bad thing. This is where real growth happens. Have faith that it will pass and allow yourself to wallow in the darkness. Get what you need to from the darkness, and know you will come out. You can even put a end-time on how long you will be in darkness. Pray for Faith during this time. Sometimes we pray for Hope. Sometimes, especially when we're in the darkness, we feel that all is lost. Put all your trust in God in prayer. You'll feel so much more hope suddenly.
What is Prayer? Is there a particular way to pray? No, there isn't. Your only job is to find a way to pray that suits you. This can change from day to day. Sometimes, just having my prayer beads to hold in my pocket is enough to keep me feeling in touch with God. This is my connection to a higher power. Sometimes, I pray the same mantra over and over, counting with each bead to help keep my focus. Yet, at other times, I will pray the memorized prayers on the rosary, which is very meditative and calming for me. I have a stronger sense of connection when I am in a sacred space such as an old church more than in a large room that might be used for other purposes. However, when my son was in Iraq, I couldn't stop crying if I set foot in a church. Even now, a year later, it is difficult. I've found other ways to find a sense of sanctity, and that's okay. I know people who have a great sense of joy in a larger, louder and more auditorium-style surroundings. You'll just have to find prayer that best suits you. Keep in mind that there will be a variety that suits you at different times of your day and different times of your life. Ready to learn more? Great! Read on. 'What is prayer' is certainly not a simple question. In fact, I've written several pages about prayer and spirituality on my sister website, naturally holistic.net, which is devoted to natural, holistic health. Prayer is an essential part of holistic living: body, mind and spirit. You'll see some links as we go along. Feel free to browse, but come right back! What is prayer? What can I do if I am not comfortable praying? Think about the ways you have tried to pray. There are many ways and styles to pray. Prayer can take many forms. Meditation is prayer for me, because it is my chance to stop long enough to listen to what God is telling me. Communication is hearing and expressing. Keep practicing, and if slowing down is a problem for you, you might try some of the more repitition type prayers such as mantras. Let's talk spirituality, religion and prayer! What is Prayer? What is Contemplative Prayer? Contemplative prayer is prayer with total absorption in God. You stand before God as a blank screen, without preconceived notions or expectations-just open and blank. Although this is a challenge for many of us, you don't have to do anything. Contemplative Prayer is the normal development of the grace of baptism and the regular practice of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is the most traditional way of cultivating friendship with Christ. It is as if we were in conversation with Christ, and he were suggesting the topics of conversation. He suggests-not us. The relationship between you and Christ is characterized by friendship, trust and love. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. It puts other types of prayer into a more full persepctive. We consent to God's presence within us, and at other times we recognize God's presence everywhere.
What is Contemplative Prayer? Visit my sister site, but be sure to return! What is Prayer? Does Healing Prayer require a time committment? There is no fixed time. This is a very individual, personal choice, and one's desire or need to pray varies. There are times when we choose to review our immediate past, confess our weaknesses, and ask for forgiveness and strength to be and to do better. While one minute might be enough for some, others may feel that 24 hours just isn't enough. What is Prayer? What is meditation and how is it related to prayer? Meditation is private religious devotion or mental exercise where concentration and devotionare used to reach a higher level of spiritual awareness. It is also used for relaxation benefits and the resulting health benefits of relaxation. Focus and more clear thinking are also goals of meditation. What is Prayer? What are Prayer Beads and Rosaries AND how can they help ME? Rosaries are types of prayer beads. So, to keep it simple, I will refer to only prayer beads, but they include rosaries. Prayer Beads are used as counters for prayers and give you something to hold physically, which can help with focus and concentration. Prayer beads come in a variety of forms-hand held, wearable, inexpensive,expensive, pretty, functional and so on. They help us to stay focused, contemplative and to get the most out of your prayer time. Who doesn't need that? The beads themselves are reminders and counters, and hold no special meaning on their own. The true value is what we get in return by engaging in prayer with beads. You don't want to miss out on this simple, yet so effective tool! Which one is right for you? The one(s) you are drawn to. It is common to have several different kinds of prayer beads. Perhaps a spiritually inspired necklace is a constant reminder for you to remember what is really important, to stop and pray, to stay focused on your tasks and so on. Handheld prayer beads, including rosaries, can be kept in your pocket, on your desk, in your car, in your home, in your purse and so on. One may signify a special event or time of your life such as the birth of a child, a move to a different location, a change of job, a special week-end with friends, a marriage, a death and so on. Their use is limited only by your imagination. What is Prayer? One single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer. G. E. Lessing (1729 - 1781)
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