Build-A-Prayer

Many people I know tell me they do not know how to pray, that this spiritual practice of mindfulness and dedication is a great mystery. This is not because the folks I meet don't want to pray; I'm told they don't know the form. This post is for them.

 

Opening. Lots of prayers begin using a form of address that is a focusing image that guides or launches the prayer and the pray-er on the journey. Some examples of opening focusing images are: Weaver of our Lives, Spirit of Life, Name Unnamed, Holy and Wondrous, Beloved, Redeemer, God of Grace and Glory, Breath of Change.

            One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter around prayer is that there is a required form for opening. Yes, in specific religious traditions there may be accepted and approved ways of opening a prayer. But as a basic practice, if a focusing metaphor doesn’t come to mind, don’t worry. Just begin where you are.

 

Content

The content of prayer revolves around the eight basic forms of prayer: yes! no! thanks! wow! when? please? why? how? Half of these forms are questions. That lets us know that praying without knowing is at least half the practice of prayer. When you say, “I don’t know how to begin”, you already have.

            In the beginning of a prayer practice, you might want to shift through the eight forms, asking yourself:

            what are my questions of seeking (when, why, how, please)?

            what am I resisting (no)?

            what am I embracing (yes)?

            how am I grateful (thanks)?

            how have I been amazed today (wow)?

 

Pray to focus your attention on the spiritual traits and qualities you would like to strengthen or develop. This is why so many traditional prayers turn to forgiveness, connection, peace, love, courage, kindness, compassion. Here’s eight examples of focusing.

 

            What are my questions of seeking (when, why, how, please)?

(Why) Why me? Why now? Why? I am afraid of what is happening in my life. I do not understand it. May I have the courage to be in this unknowing and the wisdom to accept understanding bit by bit.

(When or How) When will I be called? How shall I be ready? I do not know how or when I shall be called to offer my whole self; may I be ready to say yes.

(Please) May I live more open-heartedly, with greater kindness, courage, and compassion.

            What am I resisting (no)?

I live in bold compassion, dedicated to ending cruelty through kindness, creating justice through love, and offering forgiveness on the painful road of reconciliation.

            What am I embracing (yes)?

As this day unfolds, I embrace the ways of forgiveness, justice-making, and love.

            How am I grateful (thanks)?

            I am grateful for the love, peace, and hope I receive and hold.

            How have I been amazed today (wow)?

            Blessed assurance of wonder, love, and growth! We dance in joy today!

 

Closing. Many traditions have specific closings to prayer. These are final reminders to us of traits we cherish, goodness we seek, or sending us off into life. Thus, closings might encompass a commendation of: may it be so, amen, or amein. Or a closing might encourage a particular trait, such as peace: salaam, shalom, shanti, peace. Or a closing might be a particular affirmation: blessed be, oneness, light and life. Which one you choose depends on the direction of your prayer.

 

Prayer life grows with practice. There are many fine and wonderful traditional prayers from around the world. I pray both through traditional prayers and with ones out of the unfolding of my spiritual journey. I pray when I’m weary and when I’m delighted, when I’m out and about in the world, and at specific times. Prayer is returning my attention to this journey I’m on, this life I’m living, with challenges and celebrations, and the vast oneness of being. May this practice also now belong to you. Peace and joy!

Comments

[Joy Lightning]

This is bookmarked. Nice reminder.