The Role of Prayer in Communicating with the Divine

Introduction

Prayer is just a word we use to describe when we communicate with God. It isn’t just those lofty words in a book entitled, “Prayer Book.” There are so many ways to pray. Don’t you think that communication is just about the most important way to connect with each other? Don’t you think that God would like to hear from you?

Prayer as the written word

Which do you prefer? A card someone buys for you with a prewritten verse? Or a handwritten note? I like both – for different reasons. A card can sometimes express things better than I think I could. That’s like written prayers. And it is very thoughtful and kind for someone to choose just the right card. Perhaps when you choose a prewritten prayer to read to God, it is received with the warmth and appreciation that you would receive a card from a friend.  

Now a handwritten note is an amazing thing to receive. I love the time and caring and the personal touch that someone has chosen to communicate with me. I think it is just as wonderful to write a prayer to the Divine. Do you journal? Do you write to God in your journal? Do you write poetry or lyrics to a song? All those are forms of written prayer to God. 

Prayer as the spoken word

A spoken prayer can be out loud or silent. You know how your thoughts and words roam inside your head – that counts as being spoken. So talk to God. This is the easiest thing to do anytime, anywhere. I once read something in a pamphlet that really struck me as a core concept that I would always keep. It said to consider talking to God as you would your best friend. Come from a place of love and comfort, knowing you will be heard and understood. 

Prayer as listening

It takes practice, but a form of prayer often called “contemplative” is silent, and receptive. Consider yourself an open vessel receiving the presence of the Divine just as you would sense someone being in the room with you. This is where books, classes, and practice groups for meditation can help you. I learned the beauty of listening to prayer in a Quaker meeting. It is a whole other experience to listen with others.

Prayer as creativity

Art, music, and dance are just some of the ways in which your creativity can connect with Spirit. We have fabulous examples of these art forms being inspired by and dedicated to God. All cultures express their Divine connections in beauty. You can paint a picture or sing. Spiritual singing can range from rock to gospel to classical. Wouldn’t you just love to have your best friend sing you a song or paint you a lovely picture? So would God love to hear from you in the same way.

Conclusion

The key aspect of communicating in prayer is intention. If you focus on and intend to connect with the Spirit of Your Understanding, that is prayer. There is a wonderful story about a monk who was so intentionally in prayer when he washed the dishes of his fellow brothers after a meal that people began to come just to watch him and be in his presence. Those people recognized prayer as profound in that simple task. So having the intention is simple, but not easy. With the focus and connection of every day, you might just turn your life into a prayer.

"PRESENCE invites us to pause our everyday lives and discover spirituality all around us." To learn more about PRESENCE (book, articles, journal) visit https://www.presenceeveryday.com/