Prayer is so much more than that. Often it is little more than thinking through our problems with the wiser facet of us listening and advising. Other times, it is a way to enjoy what is around us, giving voice to our joy. In group prayer, it allows us to connect with others and raise energy. When someone asks for our prayers, they ask for our support and remembrance.
Surveys show prayer works, sometimes. Lynne Taggart in her book called The Intention Experiment demonstrated it was the intention behind the prayer that carried the punch. Several experiments were conducted concerning prayer. In one experiment, hospitalized patients were divided into three groups. The prayed for, not prayed for, not prayed for, but thought they were groups with the normal expectation that the prayed for group would fare the best.
It was the group of people who thought prayers were offered on their behalf, but weren’t who got better. These people changed their feelings about their health. Intentions are powerful. Anytime we meditate, we are praying in the truest sense. One of the greatest things we do while drifting in meditative trance is to reach out to the spiritual dimension.
Prayer helps us to remember all the powers and entities involved in our lives. Too often people ramble off words someone else wrote without any feelings or intention. This could be for show or out of habit.
When did prayer originate? Early cave paintings illustrate that hunters performed dances wearing antlers and skins possibly to win favor from whatever power they felt controlled hunting success. Perhaps, they realized that they were in control of their destiny than many present day people believe they are.
The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans left us detailed pictorial accounts along with tales of deities they worshiped. Surely, both people and priests prayed to acknowledge the Gods and Goddesses and ask for help. Anyone can pray if they so choose.
Affirmations listing all the good in your life are powerful prayers. Gratitude is a powerful force to move your life in a desired direction. Does prayer work in real time? It can, but it depends on the intentions behind it. Our minds are an amazing tool when used appropriately. Remember the time and effort that went into reaching a difficult goal.
The same time and effort has to go into our intentions. I am guilty of complaining I don’t have time to meditate, which is a silly statement. I might as well say I don’t have time to be grounded, centered or aware of my true purpose.
I came to accept that maybe I couldn’t have a solid hour to spend locked away from my family. My hour dwindled to thirty minutes and sometimes shrunk to ten. It was then, that I rediscovered prayer.
An observation of a cardinal at my birdfeeder had me murmuring my appreciation of the natural world. A narrow escape on the highway had me thanking my traveling spirits. Prayer in its purest form is never vindictive. Unfortunately, too many of us are familiar with prayer as a vehicle to bring down condemnation on those who are different. While hate is a strong emotion, the only change it brings about is in the individual who harbors it, which is never good.
Prayer is still available for everyone to use. Call it meditation or intention if it helps to it fit into your lifestyle better, but don't discount it.