What Do We Mean When We Pray?
Many of us, especially when faced with hardship, difficulties or grief, often make requests for prayer. It is not uncommon, in a general way, to ask others to say prayers for us, or in the same vein, to say to someone, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Regardless, of one's religion, prayer is a common ingredient and seed of hope, strength and love for many.
But what do we mean when we pray or ask that prayer be given? During these ten days of repentence, this issue has surfaced for me, as I examine the power and peace that comes with prayer. To me, prayer is about establishing a connection to God. More often that not, however, I engage in prayer where there is difficulty, illness, or some situation that puzzles me, on the one hand, or one that makes me happy, on the other. What this means, is that I ask for prayer or find meaning in in when faced with extreme joys or sorrows. Perhaps, I am underestimating myself, to some extent, because truthfully, I pray daily in the morning and at night, to give thanks for what I have and to gain hope as well. Somehow, my most meaningful messages come from what is in between the lines.
What do you mean when you pray? What do you mean when you tell someone that you are praying for them? Is prayer a way of getting what we want, hoping that we a situation can be resolved in a way that is pleasing to us, or is it more about honoring God, and connecting? Or is it all of the above in one manner or another?
Thank you for your minds.
But what do we mean when we pray or ask that prayer be given? During these ten days of repentence, this issue has surfaced for me, as I examine the power and peace that comes with prayer. To me, prayer is about establishing a connection to God. More often that not, however, I engage in prayer where there is difficulty, illness, or some situation that puzzles me, on the one hand, or one that makes me happy, on the other. What this means, is that I ask for prayer or find meaning in in when faced with extreme joys or sorrows. Perhaps, I am underestimating myself, to some extent, because truthfully, I pray daily in the morning and at night, to give thanks for what I have and to gain hope as well. Somehow, my most meaningful messages come from what is in between the lines.
What do you mean when you pray? What do you mean when you tell someone that you are praying for them? Is prayer a way of getting what we want, hoping that we a situation can be resolved in a way that is pleasing to us, or is it more about honoring God, and connecting? Or is it all of the above in one manner or another?
Thank you for your minds.
posted by BarbaraFromCalifornia at
7:36 AM
22 Comments:
I rarely pray for myself except a routine thing in the morning when I ask the God of my understanding, for guidance, patience and understanding to get me through the day.
However, I do pray for friends or people I know (and don't know)who are going thru difficult times. (You may want to read a blog I wrote on September first in regards to a friends baby.) I did a lot of praying during that time because I believe they were angry and had their Faith misplaced.And recently, I watched him enjoy his first birthday and hopefully many more to come.
Prayer, to me,can be a strong tool but I don't waste my time praying for ridiculous things such as wealth or power. I have a job and if those are things I think I need then I should be able to attain them without prayer. God has given me the ability to work and that should suffice.
I sometimes pray when I have a good day, (usually on the way home from a golf course)and was blessed with great weather and a chance to enjoy some time with my friends playing golf or whatever. But I don't pray to God to help me make that perfect shot. I'm sure He has many other things to worry about.
I get annoyed when I see professional athletes make the sign of the cross as though God helped them hit that home run or score that touchdown. Ridiculous!
As usual Barbara, a great thougt provoking Blog. I am sure you will get some interesting views here today. And, may God Bless you for always making me think!
I guess we pray for guidance when we pray for ourselves, so that we can make the right decisions in difficult times. With others, we pray that they might receive help in a way we are unable to do.
This is a great question, B. People who know I'm not religious -- I'm very spiritual, but haven't found an existing religion into which my beliefs fit neatly -- are always surprised when they hear that I pray. I pray every evening before falling asleep, and sometimes during the day too. I even use language like "Dear God" even though I don't believe in God-the-father as described in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Old habits die hard, I guess.
For me, praying is meditating on my will and sending it out into the universe. This sounds silly, but a big part of me believes that our thoughts and actions are somehow recorded by the universe, and that we put out enough negative energy that we are obliged to at least TRY to balance it out by sending out positive energy whenever possible. So I pray that good things will happen to my loved ones, friends, and acquaintances (and strangers), and that they will be protected from harm. I'm not sure I've ever prayed for myself, except to ask for strength. When I tell someone "You're in my prayers," it means "I'll be thinking about you and sending out my wish that you receive comfort and support."
I'm always touched when people say they're praying for me, even if they're aligned with a different religious (or nonreligious) tradition than I. One of my grad students, a devout cross-wearing Christian, said she was praying that my amnio would go well. I actually felt that she'd given me a gift that was more than lip service. The idea that she was thinking about me and hoping for the best for me made me feel nurtured and cared for. In that respect, the effect of prayer is very real. If we know people are praying for us, it may help us relax enough to feel that we're in caring hands and open ourselves up to hope and healing, which may in turn actually *bring about* hope and healing.
Larry Dossey wrote a very wonderful book entitled:
"Be careful what you Pray for.. you just might get it".
It shows that prayer is something that needs to be given much thought and not blindly given into on a whim.(like before/after making that hole in one, Long Iron!) Sometimes it actually is a way of 'hexing', placing curses, and many do not realize the power behind their prayers. To pray for "Americans Victory" in war,,, means death to others. Doctors notoriously 'curse' people into situations where the only hope is prayer.
"sorry, you only have a few months to live."
don't do me any favors and limit me!!
Dossey documented a case where a doctor diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis,, then brought in a wheelchair to the 'patient'/victim and told her it was so she could practise 'sitting' in it.... talk about sick.
Sorry my medical Heretic side is showing. Anyway.....
My personal practise regarding prayer, is to ask the MultiVerse to OPEN my eyes, heart and soul, and when I pray for particulars, I always insert the cavet that: ""For the GOOD of ALL"" meaning that anything stupid I ask for is wiped out by Universal knowledge of the whole,, which I do not possess.
My prayers now mainly consist of Asking for dissernment and peace of mind that will allow me to appreciate what is in front of me more. I never pray for anyone who has not asked me to do so, as I feel that is a violation of their will. And I have been known to tell people,, NOT to pray for me,, because of their one way mindsets. (sure they did it anyway,, but usually protect myself on that psychic level) I do agree with WinterWheat that with the right people doing it, prayer can be healing and uplifting in a nurturing way. I think prayer should be about Connecting to the Source,, not telling it what to do,, it already knows.
It is interesting how as human beings we will cross religious, cultural and other lines to pray for one another.
I have many voices that live inside me and most of the time they are in conflict. When some issue is thrust before me and the voices can't make head nor tail of the situtation, I pray to silence the cachophone, settle frayed nerves, and evaluate the situtation with a clear head.
Prayer centers me, connects me to Our Mother and the other Spirits, calms me, and gives me a place from which to unravel a problem.
That's what I strive for anyways.
Prayer has a positive effect on health.
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,728,00.html
Lovely question, depth filled answers..thank you one and all.
Prayer for me is simply sending my love or concerns etc. to my Ancestors and out to the Universe
where it will return in the proper order of things.
ps..barb, thank you for visitng my blog. :o)
Prayer is a way of communicating with our Heavenly Father. He hears us and gives us answers, if we listen for his still small voice. Sometimes we don't get the answers we want and sometimes we do.
I pray and give gratitude for all the things he has given me. I pray when I have a problem, that he will give me strength to resolve the problem. I ask him to help me. I pray for others to desire his help. I pray for the sick and afflicted. I pray for our President to make good decisions for our country.
I had surgery once and I asked the doctor if I could say a prayer. He said, "I can use all the help I can get." Everyone in the operating room stopped what they were doing and participated in the prayer. I prayed for the doctors, nurses and everyone involved with my surgery to have open clear minds and to do the surgery with the best of their abilities, etc. After the prayer they all thanked me. I had a feeling of peace and knew that my surgery would come out OK. My surgery went well and I healed quickly.
Prayer is there for all of us. I sometimes think that when we don't pray on a daily basis, that the Lord will put challanges in our way, so that we will remember to pray. To me, prayer is direct communication with our Heavenly Father.
Prayers should not be contrite and repetitive. They should come straight from your heart.
I also believe like Scott, that you need to be careful what you pray for, you might get it. If you pray for patience, be prepared to have patience in whatever trials you get. ETC.
barb
i can write pages on the issue of prayer
but for a comment post ill keep it short
god loves the prayers of the righteous thats why he will sometime when the righteous fail to pray do things to initiate their prayer.
its written in talmud that a person that prays and expects his prayer to be answered brings illness.
just because you pray does not mean that god will fulfill that prayer, he may choose to give you some other good.
sometime things are destined to happen because of the bigger picture.
dont feel lost if
prayer does not help sometime it works immediately sometime it takes numerous prayers.
and yes barb
i LOVE your latest post
I'm not sure what I mean when I pray....Other than to hope something is out there...and watching over us.....I used to pray all the time....If I was driving along and saw road workers...I would pray to keep them safe....A funeral going by...I would pray for the family as they went thru this trail in their life and the dead...I would pray before I left home....to keep me safe....friends/family...for the world to be a better place....Somewhere along the way....on these busy busy days....when I need to be praying more...I find myself...praying less and less.
Thank you Barb....for making me stop and think once again!!!
I have gone around and back with the issue of prayer. Bouts of faithful daily prayer, followed by a complete lack of prayer. Iv'e gone back and forth so many times I can't count. To say I've struggled with the idea of an omnipotent power is an understatement. But you post reminded me of something.
Ten years ago when I caught on fire, my prayer cycle was on "OFF." I hadn't prayed in a long time. While in the hospital, I felt pain that I didn't know was humanly possible, adn I wanted so badly to pray for relief... but I couldn't. I couldn't turn coin on my agnostic beliefs and pray to God just because I needed help. I felt like that would be similar to a spoiled brat only calling home when they needed money. Other people were praying for me. And even kow that made me feel awkward.
To many people pray for personal purpose, rather than to simply worship. I'm a different person now than I was then.
I'm still a consistent prayer... ut when I do, it's a simple offer of thanks. It's not to wish illnes away, or in hopes of minimizing some situation. I believe God is already on top of those situations and knows what He's doing. I can only pray for intengibles... strength, patience, acceptance... for myself and for others. Anything more specific feels like I'm trying to bargain... or asking God to do more for people I happen to know asnd love... as if they deserve greater blessings simply because I know them and chose to pray about it. It sounds arrogant, and I won't do it.
Gee, I wonder if my relationship with God is at all tied to my realtionship with my physical father?
No point to this comment, I just thought I would share. Very thought-provoking post once again Barbara. Thanks!
Nicely written, it reminds me of a funny quote in a book about prayer
"prayer is not a shopping list"
A fabulous question!
I've been hugely influenced by Nachman of Bretslav and the Baal Shem Tov. Praying in the fields, heart to heart talks with G-d are not uncommon for me. It's an outpouring of the heart and the soul, anytime, anywhere.
There seems to be a difference in quality with spontaneous prayer and formal prayer, which I also adore. With the former, I beg, plead, cry, carry on as a supplicant. Of course, I ask G-d for anything I want, whether selfish or selfless, whether material or spirtiual. I really don't expect a "yes" in return, but I still want it. Some Jewish sages interdict such "childish" nonsense. Like, prayer shold always be elevated. But I think that Hasidism gets it right- there is no one who can be there for you like G-d can, no one who will listen 24/7, even if the answer is not what we wish for. So, in the end, it, too is about connection with G-d.
With formal prayer it is al about connection with G-d and a return to my pure self, the self I really am. It is a meeting with G-d and myself. And then I remember why I was created, and that invaribaly birngs inexpressible joy as well as healing and well-being.
aarachael,
You said, I'm still a consistent prayer.
I love this. Yes, I think that when we do it with heartfelt intent, we become prayer. We become praise.
What thoughtful and inspiring comments here.
I especially like how personal from public prayer is distinguished, and it is true that for many, there is a difference.
Perhaps because of these Days of Awe, my personal prayers have been more in the realm of thanks I give to God for all of my blessings. I think the high holidays remind me that I do not honor God as much as I should in my personal prayers, and these past several days, my focus has been more on that element, with trust and humility more present than ever.
But it is true, that just as pain can be a touch stone to growth, it can also be an element bringing one closer to prayer, as rachael notes. But the direction in which it develops and pushes, can be illuminating, at least for me, as my prayaers are today more about thanks and honor than anything else....The high holidays are catching, I guess!
Let me clarify something in the above-mentioned post (as I have been thinking about it.)
The prayers for Shabbath actually do honor and praise God in abundance as well as those for the High Holidays, and Daily prayers, in the siddurs. Also, I find, for myself, when I pray to honor God, it takes my mind off my own worries and troubles, and allows an dispair to be replaced more often than not by an element of hope.
Barefoot - I meant I'm still "not" a consistent.... Sorry for the typo.
Most often, my prayers are just feelings of awe and astonishment at the beauty of nature, or appreciation and love for people in my life. I enjoy God's creation. Listening to music, watching the birds at my birdfeeder, or enjoying my son's antics bring feelings of gratitude to God.
Another kind of prayer is when I wake up in the night and I feel that God is healing whatever worries or aches and pains I may have. I simply accept this "tune up" and feel grateful for it.
Sometimes I meditate and try to allow God's love to flow through me. I think of this as another kind of mental "tune up".
Also, before I go to sleep at night I try to remember to connect with God and ask him for whatever comes to mind, be it for myself or others who I know need help. Like Scott I try to always end by saying something to the effect of "for the good of all involved". I am aware that whatever I pray for might not be the best thing from a larger perspective, and I accept that. I hope that God will take my little prayers into account, since Jesus said "knock and it will be opened, ask and you shall recieve", I expect that most of the time my prayers will be heard and answered. They ususally are. :-) I also understand that it may be in God's time, not mine.
I pray for my son when I see him sleeping each night. Kids are so cute and vulnerable looking as they sleep. I pray that God will take care of him and protect him, and also that He will guide him throughout his life. I also pray that my son will do God's will. Then I thank God for sending him to me.
There are probably more ways of praying but I can't think of them right now.
Prayer for me is a connection with the Divine. Its honoring the Divine-- not just the Lady and Lord, but the divine within myself as well.
Its also finding peace. When I pray, time ceases. I can just be.
I try to practice prayers of gratitude. I let the Lady and Lord know how I feel blessed by the universe, and why.
I am very uncomfortable on the issue of praying for others. I don't usually say this to people. I don't feel it is my place to pray about what someone else wants or might need. How do I know what is best for them? That is between them and their own gods. I do say that I will keep them in my thoughts, which I will. But that, to me, is much different than praying for them.
I think it is probably all of the thoughts and moments you suggested in your post...each person in communion with their g-d, , their diety, their spirit, their universe.
And for a multitude of reasons.
But, in that moment, they are reaching out for someone, something else,...something outside of themselves, their physical and spiritual being...outside and outwith the creature we call self.
A truly amazing moment.
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