How to Meditate and the Art of Prayer

Meditation and prayer are tools available to those seeking a deeper relationship with a higher power. According to Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest and author of Everything Belongs, The Gift Of Contemplative Prayer, “there was an earlier age when people had easy and natural access to their souls and openness to transcendent Spirit.” Rediscovering meditation and prayer offers a journey with the soul as the traveler.

Collect Symbols to Encourage Connected Prayer

Religion and spirituality rely heavily on symbolism and for good reason. The purchase of an object and placing it in a special area conducive to prayer can be helpful for those seeking moments of quiet contemplation.

Often found objects provide rich memories and when incorporated into daily observations of gratitude, encourage a connectedness to the soul. A cross, made of simple pieces of wood and a stone, found on a beautiful walk brings to mind life’s spiritual bounty. If the creation of a special prayer location is a creative challenge perhaps a simple pendulum with its quiet patterns of movement coupled with a cherished photo can still a hurried mind and center the wandering psyche.

Five Steps to Praying and Meditating

Individuals can follow these steps to praying and meditating:

-Put life on hold. Unplug electronically and retreat to a quiet place.
-Wear comfortable clothing and find an easy position that maintains an alert state.
-Take slow breaths and focus on reigning in scattered thoughts.
-Start with a few lines in opening communication. Simple mantras/inquiries can be repeated.
-Begin with a reasonable amount of time. Five minutes daily is a good start but “daily” is the key. Like the physical cleansing of brushing the teeth, prayer can become a ritualistic cleansing of the soul.

Key to a feeling of forward movement is releasing the notion that “forward movement” is the sign of success. Some believe that simply being present to a dialogue with God and offering a daily moment of contemplation can be food for the soul. All notions of correct ways of sitting, standing, positioning the body can be set aside in the grand scheme.

Too many seekers have felt failure at achieving a relationship with a higher power due to some idea of the rules to be followed. Praying in nature can be a reminder that symbolism abounds in the great outdoors and the call of the wild could be interpreted as the voice of the creator.