How To Pray

During times of tribulation and crisis, one of the most advantageous and meaningful things that a person can do is pray. Prayer provides a sense of meaning and purpose and also helps us to feel as though we are doing something constructive or helpful when there is often nothing else we can do.

When we look at the definitions of pray and prayer, there are many variations and truths. This is because there are many ways to pray and many different acts of prayer. Prayer does not belong to one religion or spirituality and in fact, looks very different depending on who is doing the praying.

• a devout petition to God or an object of worship 
• a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession 
• the act or practice of praying to God or an object of worship 
• a formula or sequence of words used in or appointed for praying 
• a religious observance, either public or private, consisting wholly or mainly of prayer

• to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc. 
• to enter into spiritual communion with God or an object of worship through prayer

Perhaps one of the most easily understood forms of prayer is the vision that is conjured of what happens inside a church, temple or mosque. Christians and Jews sit, kneel, or stand, with their heads bowed in prayer while Muslims practice salat and prostration, praying five times per day as one of the main pillars of Isalm.

Many Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sihks, and Shinto practitioners will use prayer beads or mala to aid in prayer or assist in recitation or chanting mantras, meditations or reciting the name of a specific deity. Mala beads are traditionally made from rudraksha seeds, tulsi wood, rattan seeds, sandalwood, animal bones and semiprecious gemstones. Catholics will also use the Holy Rosary, a kind of prayer bead necklace, when they recite specific prayers. 

Indigenous communities all over the world will make and leave offerings that are treated and understood as prayers. Many Native North American tribes will utilize corn as an offering or a prayer, using each and every part to accompany prayers, offerings, rituals and ceremonies. Corn pollen, gathered before the harvest, plays a significant role in the lives of Navajo and Hopi people of the American Southwest. For those tribes, corn pollen is a prayer. Corn pollen is sprinkled in different ways to conjure blessings, wisdom and guidance from the Sacred.

The answer to this is simple: Pray to whoever and whatever you find pure and sacred; the God/Goddess of your own understanding. Caroline Myss, noted spiritual author and teacher, reminds "God has no religion, only we have religion.” The universal truth of all religions is love, kindness, forgiveness, peace and cosmic law. It is humankind that taints this truth with notions of power, privilege, punishment, division, ego and entitlement. What we understand as the Divine has many faces, many names and many personalities understood through a multitude of sacred personifications: Goddess, God, Divine Mother and Heavenly Father, Great Spirit, Hashem, Allah, Yahweh, Krishna, Jesus, Buddha, etc. the list goes on and on.

If you still don’t know who to pray to or don’t have a connection to a Divine entity with a known name, simply return to nature. Raise your prayers to the sky and engage with Mother Nature in a meaningful way. Or consider a prayer to the Universe or to the Highest Good of All.

You don’t necessarily have to say anything at all. Sing a song, play a drum or dance with intention, stepping your prayers into the roots of the Earth. A prayer can be as simple or as complex as you wish it to be. Ideally, your prayers are an extension of a relationship or a cultivated reverence you might have with whatever you deem as Divine. And if you’re starting from the beginning, your prayers might look like “hello” or “thank you,” and that’s okay too! Prayer is a way for us to seek and find understanding about the things that are happening to us and around the world. To pray is to communicate with the Sacred, the unseen and then be open to the answers or guidance that we receive in return. If it’s easier, you can think of a prayer as a conversation or maybe a letter you might write to someone, articulating what’s going on in your life and where you need help or encouragement.

If you don’t already have an altar or a sacred space where you practice, create one. A sacred space is a place, a room, a corner, or a shelf that you empower with sacred intention. Some people have rooms or altars dedicated to this, but it could also be where you sit under a tree or on your front porch. Bring or arrange sacred objects, light a candle or some incense and pray.

“Prayer changes things” is a popular phrase that holds a lot of power and significance. In a way, to pray is to let go. Letting go is a concept that is very difficult for many people but one that ultimately leads to freedom. If there is a part of you that can understand that whatever is happening to you is part of a greater plan or for your Highest Good, you will live a lighter life. Part of this includes prayer. The act of prayer is humbling yourself to a power greater than you, releasing your concerns and trusting that answered or unanswered prayers are still for the Highest Good. There is freedom in this trust and assurance.

Here, we’ve highlighted a few of the many Kate’s Magik products that would be most beneficial during this time of uncertainty. Use these products while you pray and to strengthen your intentions.