Prayer & Religion
Prayer and Religion are very personal, and not everyone believes in the power of prayer, and I respect that. Perhaps the concept, the practice, or even the stillness of it interests you. If Prayer doesn’t “float your boat,” you may be interested in my Meditation Post.
Prayer and Meditation are tools that I use to help me navigate my journey of finding inner peace. Both practices allow me to let go of my anxieties, worries, and fears.
However, I am NOT always successful, and we can have that conversation at 3:30 in the morning; when I’m tossing and turning – thinking about my “to-do” list, things I forgot, things I should have said, and yes … even my BLOG!
For me, praying to someone greater than myself also provides the assurance that we have a purpose for our lives – that we are put here for a reason.
A little bit on my background.
I didn’t grow up in a religious household. No criticism, really, just the way it was. We celebrated Easter and Christmas, and I more or less knew “why” we celebrated those holidays, but not to the extent that I do now (and I’m still learning!).
I do love our church and have learned a great deal over the past 17 (or so) years; however, I also believe that you do not need to belong to a church to pray.
Prayer is simply a connection with God.
Techniques to consider.
A Simple Conversation.
You can have a one-way “conversation” or a monologue. Begin with … Dear Lord (God, Father, Savior, Jesus Christ – use the name that you feel most comfortable), and proceed by giving thanks, showing gratitude, or asking for forgiveness. Then, add your special request for yourself, a loved one, or even for a stranger.
Or turn that monologue into a two-way conversation. Begin the same way … Dear Lord (God, Father, Savior, Jesus Christ), and proceed by giving thanks, showing gratitude, or asking for forgiveness. Then, ask your special request for yourself, a loved one, or even for a stranger. Then STOP, pause, and listen.
Next is the hard part, waiting in stillness. Have a journal near you and as you’re waiting, jot down what you hear. Try to remain in this quiet moment for a good 10 minutes – longer if you can. This time is a moment of reflection and will become easier as you practice the art of “listening.” Don’t worry if you think it’s your own voice that you hear.
If you notice, with both of these techniques, I am encouraging you to begin with a note of “thanks.” When managing people and had to provide constructive criticism – I’ve always believed in the “Oreo Cookie” method or approach. I would provide a positive comment // the constructive feedback // then another positive comment.
In our practice of prayer, we are asking for something significant for ourselves or someone else; what better opportunity than now to give Praise and Thanks for the blessings that you DO have!
Besides, I’ve read in a thousand different places (okay, that was a little bit of an exaggeration) that you should be grateful every day! This attribute allows you to check two things off of your list!
Praying in Color.
When you Pray in Color, it introduces you to an active, visual, and meditative form of prayer. Sit in a quiet space, with a blank piece of paper or journal, various coloring tools (I use colored pencils), and your Bible.
You may choose to concentrate on a particular bible verse or maybe the person or reason you’re praying. Jot down a few keywords that immediately come to mind, concentrate on those words, and then without over-thinking or judgment, begin to draw.
And don’t worry – you do not have to be an artist; I am not. This is simply a relaxed session of meditative doodling. It can be very therapeutic.
Every year, I say that I’m going to practice this more often, but I usually do it only once or twice. My most favorite time is after our Good Friday service when the church is empty, and it’s just me .. well, and God.
Music
Oh YES! Music is also a form of prayer – another beautiful connection with God.
The song Do Justly by Michael Neale is a perfect example (note the Bible Passage above). It’s one of my favorite songs that our Praise Band sings. Our drummer takes the lead on this particular song; my husband thinks he sounds like Steve Winwood!
As you’re praying, if words do not flow easily from you, let them come to you. You can do a quick YouTube or Google search on a few words, and you will find a wealth of Contemporary (and Classic) music that can move you to inner peace.
Our Journies.
I hope that I have shown you prayer doesn’t have to be a big “to-do” and is simply an opportunity for you to unload your burdens to God, allowing you to navigate to a daily sense of calm and inner peace.
Like my daily practice of meditation, I pray in the format that works for me at that moment. However, unlike needing a quiet space for meditation, you can practically pray anywhere – I’ve prayed in my car … on a walk … even in an airport!
Remember to have grace and patience with yourself; the journey to Finding Inner Peace is unique for each person.
One method might work for your friend, but not for you. I ask when you’re ready, give these suggestions a try, and please share with me which practice resonated the most with you.
A Prayer for Peace & Positivity
Lord, how I long to break free from negative thinking and embrace peace and joy and optimism. I invite You to begin transforming my thought patterns and help me recognize, reject and replace thoughts that are not pleasing to You.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Until next time … Peace and Blessings, Friends!
Hello Charli,
Such a sweet note, I am delighted that my words gave you a few ideas for praying (and sleeping for that matter!).
I am always seeking ways to improve and if I can a little bit every day then I am pleased with myself.
Have a wonderful day!
Heidi
Such a beautiful post with beautiful ideas! I especially love the one about listening while praying! That’s definitely something I need to do more often! I remember one pastor saying something similar, that we need to take the time to listen for God’s voice. I also liked that you mentioned using restless nights for prayer and meditation too, because I get a lot of restless nights! I often have trouble sleeping. I think it’s a good idea to pray during those times and just relax until I fall asleep again! Thanks for the beautiful post!