What is Prayer?
Prayer can be a versatile word, but of course you know I want to start with the etymology of the word. Knowing where something comes from can guide you to where you want to be.
Prayer - a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship.
Middle English: from Old French preiere, based on Latin precarius ‘obtained by entreaty’, from prex, prec- ‘prayer’.
Obtained by entreaty. What’s entreaty you ask? I know I did. Entreaty is an earnest request or petition; supplication. So, it’s asking for something while being humble. But going further, above it says “obtained”, so it means it’s already in possession of.
So is it safe to say that Prayer is having something that you humbly asked for? Let’s say that it is. How do you do it? I can probably write a mini book on how ‘I’ pray, but I can’t necessarily tell you how you should pray. But I can give some guidance.
For one, prayer is something that should be unique to you. Whether it’s when you first wake up, before every meal, before bed, every 3 hours, once a week, 5 minutes, 20 minutes, or 6 hours, it should always be a decision you made with your intentions in mind.
Second, think of prayer as a meditational conversation. And to whom are you speaking to? Well with God of course, but I use that term as a title, because as I mentioned in a previous post, God is a title not a name. So this is where the intention comes in. Since God is a title, you want to intentionally speak with YOUR God. Now I know I may get some push back and that’s fine, but not everyone prays to the same God. Moreover, there is a Most High God. The God of Gods if you will.
If this is something that you may not be comfortable with, think of it as speaking to the universe, or your mother or father, or what I like to do, I speak to myself. The creator, or the most high, is a very difficult thing to explain. But the long and short of it is, scientifically speaking, is like speaking to atoms, or energy. We can agree we’re all made up of the same “stuff” right? And this stuff was created by something for specific purposes correct? The sun to provide energy, plants to create oxygen, water for sustainability, etc. so guess what you have a purpose too, is it safe to think that? I’d say at least ponder it. And since God is everywhere all the time, even with and within you, then he is like a connection of all the atoms together. He is the link, the glue, the space in which the atoms exist so to speak.
So back to who you pray to; whatever thought or image that comes to your mind is fine, but I would suggest making sure the intention of creation (the glue) is in mind. And you are part of that creation. You are not separate. We are all living in a biome of diversity, which contributes and uses its resources. And it all came from something. Pray to that. Whatever image comes to your mind is fine, but insure the thought that follows it is with appreciation and gratitude. Those two little thoughts go a looong way. The earth is alive ya know, and so is the universe. So appreciating this space for you to experience it is paramount.
Now praying for something that you already have obtained, goes into that saying “speaking it into existence”. Time is relative. Time to you is not the same as time to the universe. Just as time to a dog is not the same as time to you. So wishing, hoping, and “praying” for items you want/need will always be just that. Wishes and hopes. Pray as if you already have it. As if it exists in time right now. As if it was present, and feel the emotion that goes with it. Feel it as if you have it right now. You cannot pray for joy with a saddened heart, all you will attract is more sadness.
Lastly I want to stress the importance of gratitude. Being thankful for waking up, breathing, drinking, having shelter, are just small acts of graciousness that allows “God” to notice you. Do this separately and with humble and true intentions. No strings attached.
If this is something you’re interested in, let’s talk about it. What are your thoughts on prayer?
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IMO.. Prayer is solely based on that person praying. It is definitely unique to one… YOU!! It is done differently by many but reaches one and the same. It can be complex and full of verses or it can be simple and easy. There is no right or wrong way to pray!! Some days I pray extendedly and some days or moments it’s brief!! Always done with pure intentions and gratitude. For I am thankful yet constantly wondering… I seek grace! I pray as if it’s present and sometimes I pray to clear my mind of a bad thought or even just to ease worry. A prayer being prayed is solely based on YOU!
very well said. My exact sentiments. I love the pure intentions and gratitude, those are important aspects. And I definitely love the thankful yet constantly wondering. Being in a state of wonderment I think adds the aspect of “an empty cup” or an open mind. Love this comment.
thank you! I’m trying to get back into finding my OWN way of prayer. For me practicing gratitude is a great start.
And if I may add… it was your words that intrigued me on this very post!! Thank you for that it was very informative and well written!!
I appreciate that. I am as well on a journey to finding … well everything. I stay in a state of wonderment and an intriguing mind state. I am always searching for women to reach out and connect with so that we don’t ever have to be on this journey alone. I think most of us have more in common than we think we have differences.
I hope I can keep inspiring you 🥰.
Ohh. That is actually a great idea. I’m all for inspiring or being alil hope to anyone who needs it. I hope to one day reach others the way they have helped me on my journey! You’re such a great person!!
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