What does it mean to have a prayer life? If you have one, you probably know that your particular way of praying is one of many. I think that most prayer starts with a dedicated time of contemplation, release or recitation. It can be about stillness or specific action. Overall, I believe it is an opening up to the wisdom within. It is getting out of thinking and into feeling.
Meditation, yoga, walking, sitting, kneeling, prostrate, eyes open, eyes closed, reciting prayer, chanting mantra, singing, face open to the sky, head bowed, words or no words. All of it is praying.
In our ‘Reaching for Joy – A Beading Meditation’ class this past Sunday, Jill said it helps her to pray by having something to hold onto. Creating a bracelet, holding each bead and infusing it with the energy of peace, ease, grace and love…to allow these to move through you. That is the gift of prayer…to let these move through you…and to offer those same things to others you hold in your mind and heart.
I’ve always loved the Unity teaching that prayer changes me. It allows me to see differently and more clearly. It lifts me. It creates an opening in me to feel the presence of God, of the Divine…and then to see that in all people and in all things, everywhere.
I think that is why Jesus is such a powerful teacher. When he felt conflicted or wanted to bring himself closer to God, he prayed. And so very often he saw God everywhere and in everyone.
That’s what I want.
Much love
Paula
