Prayer As Meditation

The Meditation Newsletter

You are probably aware that prayer can be a form of meditation, but it's important to note that there is more than one kind of prayer. There is the simplistic kind, for example, where you ask for something specific, like for God to take sides in a football game, or to help you win the lottery. I call myself an atheist, and as such I doubt that praying for specific results has much value, but there are other types of prayer that we all can use.

In Christian spiritual training, meditation means thinking with concentration about some topic. For example, you might focus on the wonders of God's world, or on your own love for your fellow man. With or without the religious aspect, this practice may be healthy for anyone.

Meditative prayer, in which we seek guidance, is healthy and helpful for almost anyone, I believe. An opening of the heart and mind to the mysteries of life, and to a higher intelligence, gets us out of our narrow, self-centered perspective. "God, help me make more money, " is something entirely different from, "God, help me to see the truth and do the right thing."

The latter prayer is an acceptance that you don't always know what the truth or the right thing is. Can you honestly say that you even know what you need all the time? This kind of praying is an opening of the mind and heart to whatever forces may guide you and teach you. Whether the assistance or understanding you receive comes from a deity or your own unconscious mind, it can be very real and profound.

An Atheist's Prayer

One of my favorite prayers is the one used in alcoholics anonymous: "God grant me the grace to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." What a great thought! Carrying that prayer in your heart while opening yourself to help in whatever form - that's something we all can benefit from. That's why I say this can be an atheist's prayer too.

For that matter, when somebody says "Open your heart to God," I don't see why even an atheist can't say "Amen!" If "God" represents love and grace and truth - well I want that perspective whether there's an actual deity out there or not. When you sit for your meditation, why not open your heart to any positive forces?

Next Issue: Imagine having the ability to let go of any unwanted thought or feeling on the spot.

Steve