Is there a correct way to pray?
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Is there a correct way to pray?
| Thu, 05-19-2005 - 11:43pm |
I remember my dad having us kneel down on our knees when my sisters and I were young.
I remember my MIL kneeling also.
I pray standing up, laying down .. whenever I have a need to "touch" him. I depend on Him being close. There's been time, as I study, a passage in my bible brings heartfelt anguish and I cry. It's a release of emotions very personal, very deep, very cleansing.






Ooohhh... good question!! I remember as a kid in the Episcopal church, the parish priest telling us that although 'now' (this was 25 years ago) it's 'traditional' to pray kneeling, that way back when people prayed standing up because it physically brought them closer to God. I'd love to know if he meant specifically the Christian God or further back than that.
Since I believe that Divine Spirit is everywhere, in everything, all the time, I don't feel it necessary to assume a certain position in a certain place to pray. I do, however, frequently find myself looking up when speaking to the Divine. Out of habit? Just to make it different and somehow more... (special?) than my usual running commentary? Really couldn't say. I also, in moments of extreme importance, step outside and kneel in the sun to make a special request or give a special thanks. It's seldom that I do any sort of formal worship, but when I do this is almost always a part of it. I've always felt closer to Spirit outside in Creation, so this just seems right to me.
Most of the time, day to day, my 'prayers' consist of the aforementioned running commentary in my head. Commentary may not be the right word though. I do stop to listen for responses.
I guess I should also point out that part of my belief is that Spirit communicates with us in myriad ways, if we're listening. The morning sun reflecting off the hills through the mist is one of my favorites. Even just closing my eyes and picturing it I can hear a gentle voice saying 'Good Morning! I'm here. I love you!' Or it might be the answer to a question coming in the lyrics of a song, or the plot of a book, or a random comment from a friend. I speak to Spirit all the time, and I truly believe Spirit speaks to me.
Hmm... not sure I really answered your question though. Is there a *right* way to pray? No. And yes. There's no one right way for everyone. But there is a right way for ME. And it really doesn't matter if it's the right way for someone else. Cuz I'm not someone else. I'm me. Just the way I was created and intended.
Geez, am I babbling tonight! LOL
I think "correct" can refer to what spiritual tradition one follows. I think of prayer, regardless of physical positioning, as a communication line being open between God and me. Sometimes I'm talking, saying memorized prayers or something in my own conversational words, and sometimes I need to shut up and LISTEN. ;)) Otherwise how will I get the answers?! I recently began a practice called contemplative prayer and I spend 20 minutes or so a day, usually after doing the Bible readings for the day and praying the Rosary, in silence, in listening mode. I find myself, when confronted with "issues" or "choices" during the day where my inner knowingness doesn't help me, slipping into this mental waiting silence. God never fails me. At Mass there are times when we kneel in supplication during the celebration and Sacrifice, and times when we stand, in deep respect and worship, also. At home I usually sit because I have knee and hip problems that make kneeling or genuflecting, difficult. For my contemplative prayer, I am also seated upright, eyes closed. Having eyes closed seems to help me focus by shutting out visual stimuli. :)
In the years when I was a young child, it was customary to kneel at your bedside for morning and bedtime prayers. The image in my mind, though, is of my maternal grandmother, who couldn't kneel very well as an old woman, but who sat reverently on her bed, feet on the floor, the moment she woke, before getting up to start her day, and the last moment before sleeping, saying her prayers. She taught me physical posturing isn't as important as where your heart, mind and spirit is focused. God listens regardless. :))
Now that my body is having its aging problems, I remember my grandmother, and I also sit on the edge of my bed for prayer. :)
Anna
Edited 5/20/2005 1:57 pm ET ET by anna-w
Good point.
I agree with the idea that there is no one way to pray.
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CL-ladybug987
Oh Barb, your altar sounds lovely!! I love hearing about people's personal altars and the objects they find meaningful. 'Someday' I hope to create one of my own. So far the right space and time haven't presented themselves, but I know when it's right, it will happen.
I have to ask, why the Velveteen Rabbit? Just curious what it means to you...
In my humble opinion....there is no right or wrong way to pray....just like there is no right or wrong "being" to pray to.
Shyla
>>>"It's not the WAY you do something spiritual...it's the intention behind it!!!!!!!!! "
Well said Shyla! I totally agree!