Prayer and Spirituality
Prayer and Spirituality
Just What is Spiritual Well Being?
Spirituality is a basic part of who we are and yet it is poorly understood by many. It can be a rather difficult concept, but talking about in terms of our spiritual needs being met makes it much easier to understand. Basically, spiritual well being requires having your spiritual needs met. Afterall, we are all spiritual beings, no matter what our beliefs are. You have probably heard this before, but it is worth repeating:
We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
Remember, as humans we are naturally holistic with bodies, minds and spirits. We are also social being and we can't forget about relationship spirituality. Not sure what his means? Don't worry- I'll make it simple.
Prayer and Spirituality
This happens to be one of my favorite subjects. I first started to learn about spirituality and healing in 1992 when I started my master's program in nursing. I'm pretty sure my classmates tougth I was nuts as I quietly (and not so quietly sometimes) steered away from the body-focused health care toward a more holistic (body-mind-spirit) approach. I didn't know a lot about spirituality, and I just couldn't get enough. I didn't grow up with prayer in my life, and I wasn't comfortable with it. I wasn't sure if I was doing it right, or if prayer was really that important. That was sure a lonely place to be! I had no idea just how important prayer would be to my personal and professional life!
You get to enjoy the benefits of my obsessive reading and learning! There is a lot more to my story and how learning about spirituality and prayer really changed my life, but I'll save that for later. I think this is called a 'tease' but you can always take a look at the 'about me' page if you are curious.

Prayer and Spirituality
Let's Begin by defining Spirituality
There are many definitions out there, and some aren't so clear. Before I define spirituality, let's just clarify what spirituality is not.
Is there a difference between religion and Spirituality?
Yes! Think of the term 'spirituality' as an umbrella and 'religion' as a term which is under that umbrella. Religion may be part of one's spirituality, but it doesn't have to be. You can be religious, and not spiritual, also.
Prayer can be based in one's religious beliefs, but a belief in a form relgion is not a requirement. In other words, you do not hae to ascribe to a particular doctrine of religious beliefs in order to have a healthy prayer and spiritual life. Prayer is a foundation of many of the world's religions, however.
Prayer and Spirituality
Let's define spirituality by taking a look at our spiritual needs. We all have spiritual needs.
If our spiritual needs are not met, we might feel some distress-also known as spiritual distress You have probably felt spiritual distress many times, but just didn't know it. You may not have been able to even identify why you felt distressed. Wouldn't it be great to leave that all behind? You can!
Spiritual Needs
As humans, we all have the need to:
Connect with a sacred source
Believe in a higher power
Have Hope
Find Meaning and Purpose in life
Experience humor
Experience Forgiveness
Connect with Others
Have the ability to love and be loved
Be filled with a sense of Gratitude
Prayer and Spirituality
Not all needs have to be met at all times, but they must all be addressed. If this is new to you, address each item one at a time-one step at a time. Wallow in it, experience it, enjoy it,learn from it and grow spiritually. Prayer will only help you meet these needs.
Where there is heart-ache, there will be joy
Where there is loneliness, there will be connections
Where there is bitterness, forgiveness will seep in
Where there is apathy, there will be love
Where there are tears, there will be laughter
Where there is confusion, there will be clarity
Where there is despair, there will be hope
This is what prayer can do to enhance your spiritual well-being and turn your life around!
Prayer and Spirituality: Do you know how to pray?
Prayer can help you experience and develop a relationship with a sacred source. Wouldn't it feel nice to never feel alone and to have 'someone' to turn to? The world can be seen through different eyes.
Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle.
Phillips Brooks (1835 - 1893)

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