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Do you want to pray or meditate, but find it hard to actually do it? I have heard so many reasons, and have used a few of them myself:
- It is hard to find the time.
- It is never quiet enough.
- I start, but then do not know what to say.
- It doesn't feel like God or the Universe is interested.
- My concerns are too small.
- My concerns are too large. Nothing can help.
It is difficult to feel separated from a source that can help or comfort us.
I love the Biblical story in Luke about the judge and the widow. The widow had been wronged, and she had rights that had been violated. The judge did not pay attention to her, brushing her off. She came back again and again, until she had nagged him down to a frazzle. Then she got what she needed and was entitled to. In that story we are then encouraged to pray boldly like that -- to just keep knocking at the door until someone answers it.
I am, as I have described myself a number of times "a praying kind of gal." So when I talk about prayer, I am talking about a conversation with God. For others it may be a conversation with the power of the Universe, or Allah or a saint, or a goddess, or The Source. But for all of us who pray, it is a plea, a request from us to a Higher Power. It is wishing with heartfelt intent, for the best outcome. It is trusting that prayer communicates our love and our hope. It is an act of profound introspection, in which we learn about ourselves and our relationship to God.
When I know someone who needs comfort I do what I can, as I know you do too. We bring soup, we take care of their kids, we hold hands, hug, loan money, take them out for chocolate ice cream -- whatever is required.
But do we consider praying for them as part of what we can do to help?
Sometimes it is easier praying for someone else than it is to pray for our own concerns. That's why I suggest it if you are having trouble praying:
Pray For Someone Else's Needs
Get a piece of paper and list the names and concerns that you have for a few other people. Even one other person is fine. Now put it somewhere you will see it or feel it -- in your pocket or on your computer or in your wallet. Whenever you see it, send up a quick wish for them, a hasty prayer. It doesn't have to be a production number; "God, help Maggie today, thanks" will work just fine.
Pray A Familiar Prayer
Pray a prayer that you may have memorized. Just do it because you know it. Get into the rhythm of the prayer, like a chant. Then add a few words of your own. Feel free to start small, a little more each day that is straight from you.
Set a Definite Time for Prayer
It doesn't have to be "at 5 sharp," although if that works for you, fine. It could be "when I wake up" or "before sleep" or "during my lunch hour" or even something unconventional like "when I am in the shower" or "on the bus to work." Find a time in the day when you are alone -- even if it is a brief time... and when things around you are quiet. Then say what is on your heart. It may feel clumsy at first. Just keep at it for a month. Every day. We find time for so much, we can all find a time for prayer.
Know That Your Words Are Heard
This can be tough. Prayer is not like placing an order at a restaurant. You don't necessarily get the results you asked for. But in prayer you open yourself to the possibility of a good result. You align your intentions with what is best. I had cancer many years ago. I prayed that I didn't need a hysterectomy before having children. But I still did. I still had to have the surgery. But I never felt alone even in the darkest moments. I felt
