The Power of Prayer around the World - Learning to Pray

The Power of Prayer around the World

Learning to Pray



No matter what religious or spiritual tradition we might follow, there are certain mental, emotional, and physical attitudes that make prayer more effective. We can choose our method; we can choose our religious orientation; and we can also learn to choose correct attitude. This is what will make the difference in whether or not we feel our prayers are heard and answered. Following are some basic factors to consider when praying:

1. Attitude matters.

How can we pray for peace for others when we are full of rage? Why pray for forgiveness for what we have done until we have forgiven those who have mistreated us? Why pray for healing for ourselves if we continue to do destructive things to our bodies? We must ask ourselves if we are praying from a state of mind that will enable us to be receptive to the gift.

If we cannot pray from this place of peace, or forgiveness, or well being, we can pray to know that space. We can pray for clarity to face our weaknesses and strength to overcome them. Until we get to this state of mind, our prayers, wishes, and desires will reflect our lack of equilibrium. We must find the balance within ourselves and align our positive state with a heartfelt request.

2. Be honest.

If our religious tradition or spiritual path includes formal prayers, we should take the time to understand what they are saying. How many of us, for example, have looked closely at the words of the Twenty-third Psalm? Within it are wisdom and assurance and much guidance. Let us be sincere about what we are saying and praying in order for our words and thoughts to have power. The more honest and truthful we are in every aspect of our lives, the more clearly and immediately our external world will reflect our inner state.

If we are saying one thing and doing something else, we will experience confusion and disconnection between our deepest wishes and their realization. The prayer of our actions rather than our words may be the prayer that is answered.

When we feel victimized and powerless, we must first look at the level of integrity in our lives. Do we deal with issues in the family, at the workplace, even our own feelings with impeccable honesty? Do we allow little white lies, such as “Just tell her I am out of the office,” to slip into our excuses? Learning to tell the truth is the first step in any true spiritual path. Until we do that, our words and prayers will be empty and powerless and our lives will feel the same. “The truth shall set you free.”

We must therefore pray with honesty. Let us know what words we are saying and let them be the true expression of our being. If they are not, pray only from our own truth by finding or creating prayers that reflect what is true for each of us. Only then are we building a true foundation for spiritual growth.

3. Pray with feeling.

Once we are in a place of calm and are speaking words, or thoughts, of truth, we must next focus on the feelings from the heart, so that we may infuse our prayers with a sense of caring, of emotion. The most beautiful, evocative prayer delivered from a dull, lifeless state is like a beautiful letter delivered to the post office without a stamp. It will not go anywhere.

When we pray, let us concentrate our energy on our hearts. See and feel the words and images going out from our hearts to God. If we are praying to conceive a child, feel the joy in the sensation of holding a newborn. If we are looking for that great new job, feel the fulfillment of an opportunity to express ourselves through useful work. We must infuse our wishes and hopes or sense of communion with God with the feelings of love and joy, knowing that is what will propel them. Another method is to feel the prayer in our hearts and then move it up through the body, up through the throat. When we feel it at the space between and just above our eyes, and then release it through the top of the head, it is as though we are releasing it directly to God. This process will put us in a state of calm awareness and will fill us with much joy.

4. Pray from gratitude.

When we are grateful, our hearts are open and receptive. We know that we are being provided for and that what we receive is good. Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish theologian, said “For one who walks with the Lord, all that happens, even though it might appear bad, is ultimately for the good.” This attitude helps to make us grateful for all that occurs, even though we may not understand it. Indeed, we can be grateful for what we are praying for, as though we have already received it. If we are angry and upset about a broken relationship, we may pray with gratitude for the solace that we know exists. If a loved one is sick, let us pray with thanks for his or her healing. If others are persecuting us, we may pray with gratitude for peaceful resolution, not for retribution. The mastery of this step requires a leap of faith. We are no longer sending a purchase order to God with a special request, but sending a thank-you note for an unopened gift. We must learn to be grateful for whatever is inside.

5. Pray now.

We must not wait until we are ready, until we have the perfect sanctuary set up for our personal sacred space, until we find the best church or spiritual path. Instead, let us pray for these things now. Let us pray as we walk, as we work, as we create. This will put us in touch with the creative force of the universe and keep us in a state of humility and wonder. It will make us open and receptive to others and help us to wish only for what is best for all concerned. As our connection with God becomes a daily, constant occurrence, we will find ourselves wanting less and enjoying more.

6. Recognize our part in the process.

If we pray for a certain result, and it, in fact, happens, we need to recognize what role we played in this outcome. We are the messenger. We have written the letter, put it in the envelope, and delivered it to the recipient. We did not determine the result, but through prayer we did make ourselves receptive to the gift.

The calmer, wiser, more truthful, and more loving we are, the more powerful the message. However, the true source of good that results does not come from our egos. We feel as though it does, and this is not a bad feeling. It empowers us to do more good and effect more positive change in our lives and in the world. However, the source of true power is not from our small, personal selves. It is from God.

7. Detach from the end result.

This step is very closely related to praying with gratitude, but it goes a step further. When we pray with gratitude, we are thankful for what we receive and our prayer reflects a sense of fullness, not deprivation. Next, we let go of the prayer. We send it forth filled with our positive, loving energy. We do not need to test, judge, or evaluate what we have prayed for. We let it go knowing that ultimately, “May God’s will be done” is the only prayer. We shift from being the person who is praying to being the prayer and,
at that point, we know we are in good hands.