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What comes to mind when you hear the word prayer? Do you think of being in church reciting prayers with many others? Do you think of the times you felt lost in your life and asked for help or answers? Do you pray regularly as a way to solidify in your own mind what is good and what you want? Prayer has many different meanings to all of us. I was taught in Catholic school to recite and memorize but not to pray and truly FEEL the words. Over the last three years, in my own recent spiritual journey, prayer has become a daily practice though maybe not in any “traditional” way. I would like to share what prayer means to me and also to share a prayer I wrote recently. I was guided to write my own peace/serenity prayer and I would love to ask for you to share prayers that have meant something special to you here in the comment section.
What Prayer Means to Me
Prayer for me means paying gratitude for the things that are good and for our connection to each other and the Universe as a whole. Prayer is also a way for me to really pay attention to where my life is and where I would like it to go. I feel prayers can be said to God, Universe, Love, Source, Our Inner Soul or in ANY other way that resonates with YOU. Prayer is a Universal language and I find it hard to believe that any God would JUDGE “that ANY prayer is not the right religion”. Prayer means STOPPING and quieting our minds so we can truly feel our connection to our inner soul, each other and Source.
When I was taught to pray I really wasn’t. I was taught to memorize and recite prayers, to call on God when I needed help and to beg forgiveness for all my sins. I wasn’t told how to FEEL prayer in every cell of my body. I feel Gregg Braden does SUCH a beautiful job of that in “The Isaiah Effect: Decoding the Lost Science of Prayer and Prophecy“, the brilliant book I mention in my post “What Is Guiding You?“. Prayer CAN HEAL, Prayer can calm, Prayer can give direction and Prayer CAN access miracles. I have seen all of these first hand in my life and there is no doubt in my mind of the power of prayer. BUT this is not WHY I pray. I pray because of the centering and calming effect it has on my life. I pray because life flows a whole lot better when I do. I pray because I honestly feel it is so important to give thanks and reflect on our lives as they are in this very minute. I pray to give thanks to the people and goodness in my life. I pray because I finally understand what it truly means to pray and connect deeper to life. I pray because we are so much more than our bodies and it gives me SUCH happiness to pay gratitude for that and for how connected we all truly are. I pray because even if I feel darkness I can find some solace and peace in those quiet moments of prayer.
I know through practicing distance healing we are all connected. I witness this every time I have a Reconnective Healing session. I also have witnessed miracles practicing Ho’oponopono which I also consider a type of prayer. Our intentions and prayers are so very powerful as witnessed by Lynne McTaggart and the Intention Experiment. Group prayers have been said in churches for centuries. I feel prayer in some circles — is almost given a bad reputation — you do not need to be some religious zealot to pray. Everyone can access that place of calmness prayer can bring and that does not always mean being in a church. I find my meditation room and out in nature the places I connect deepest and feel my prayers the most. I do not feel there is any “Wrong” place to pray — it is what feels right to you. If being in a church with a community feels good for you – by all means – THAT is what is right. If being in nature among all “God’s creations” feels right – then THAT is the right place for YOU. I cannot believe any God would say “Hmmm — this person is not in “this specific place” let me plug my ears and NOT listen”.
I have shared my poems sporadically but never one as personal. The last two weeks have been “hectic” in my personal life. There were times I felt overwhelm and I found myself being guided to write my own Serenity/Peace Prayer as a way to help me through it. I would love to know prayers that resonate with you or have helped you throughout your life. Please feel free to share links to them or post them into my comments section.
Jenny’s Peace Prayer
Show me what I need to see
Present the images vividly.
Tell me the words I ought to hear
Silence distractions outside my ears.
Lead me in the direction I should be going
Let me experience that feeling of knowing.
Empower me to feel surrounded by love and light
Help me emit this to everyone day and night.
Aide me in continually being aware
Guide me into action that is always fair.
Confirm that you have heard my pleas.
Enable me to let go and “be”.
Shine light wherever darkness remains
Grant me peace for loss, gratitude for gains.
Further ignite my intuition so I can see clearly
Amuse and propel me forward with synchronicity.
Align me with my purpose so I can be of greatest service
Center me when it feels the world has gone amiss.
Continue to have me gain inspiration and share it with others
Let me never lose sight that we are all sisters and brothers.
Thank you from the deepest part of my heart for this Heaven on Earth
I KNOW we are ALL LOVE and of infinite worth.
I am feeling MUCH more myself and hope to be writing more on here and not JUST in my journal. 
We all have times we can use a little guidance or light shone our way. I have found prayer a very effective way of feeling healed, bringing peace and getting assistance. I hope you liked my poem and I would love to hear some of the poems that have helped you. I would also love to hear what prayer means to you and how it has helped you or someone you know.
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That’s a nice prayer, Jenny. Thank you for sharing. I’ve recently started to use prayer in my life. Seems a necessity now. I don’t know how I could continue without developing this part of my spirituality. I’ve recently become part of a spiritual community that follows Science of Mind principles and we use a form of affirmative prayer. It can be almost anything but usually involves acknowledging the Oneness of Spirit, that we are of the same substance, gratitude and release. It’s a little more involved than that, but as I learn, have found the form less important than whatever comes from the heart.
Sue Dyson´s last blog ..The Power of a Story
Wonderful prayer.. Thank you for your thoughtful words.
Irene
Hi Sue,
I agree that the form is less important than what is from the heart. The kind of prayer you mentioned sounds wonderful — gratitude and connectivity are two things I always pay attention to when praying. I, too found it necessary in my spiritual development to pray to really FEEL that connectivity.
I am glad you like the prayer and I am so happy you took the time to comment. Funny, this post is getting me tons of emails but not many people commenting. I realize prayer can be a very sensitive topic. Thanks again.
Much Love,
Jenny
Hi Irene,
So nice to hear from you and thank you – I am very happy you enjoyed my poem. I hope all is well with you and it was lovely to see your name – thank you for commenting.
Much Love, xo
Jenny
Jenny, that is an magnificent poem. I’m not a person who writes poetry or prays. On the prayer thing I connect it too much with the fundamentalism I endured as a youth. I guess it’s just an emotional block. I wish I could express myself more creatively but that’s not my talent.
Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last blog ..Are Your Thoughts Helpful?
Hi Stephen,
I had a HUGE block with prayer as well and it wasn’t until I was able to look at it TOTALLY differently that I was able to appreciate it. Gregg Braden helped with that for sure.
Not creative? I know you’re joking! I LOVE your writing and it doesn’t have to be in a poetic format to be ultra creative! You share yourself and information in your posts in your unique voice — THAT is creativity to me.
I am so happy you enjoyed my poem. Poetry writing has always been something I enjoyed and always something I kept VERY private until recently. I still gotta take some deep breaths before pushing that Publish button when a poem is involved!
I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving Stephen. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment – it is greatly appreciated.
Love,
Jenny
Hi Jenny – What a lovely poem. I haven’t written any of my own prayers yet. In fact, I didn’t pray for a long time – I didn’t think anyone was listening. But as Akemi pointed out to me last year, that was probably because I didn’t actually ask for anything.
Like you, I used to recite prayers I’d learned without any feeling. But this year, I began to pray properly and it helped me feel more connected to God.
The most significant prayer for me was when my son got knocked down by a bus a few weeks ago. As I was on my way to the scene of the accident – I asked God to do what he felt was right. I knew I couldn’t ask for Josh not to die, as that wasn’t my decision to make.
It really helped knowing that the outcome was in the hands of God and that he would make the right decision for Josh. And also, no matter how bad things where – the accident had happened to teach us something.
Cath Lawson´s last blog ..5 Reasons Why You’re Not Happy
Hi Jenny,
The prayer you have shared is beautiful. What I feel when reading it, is a lot of guidance and comfort. And really, Jenny, I just feel your deep love within those words. And I know, that’s what has to make this so deeply meaningful for you – is your soul in it all.
Prayer is a wonderful thing. Those prayers that are memorized and repeated over and over – they begin to feel unemotional for me – and then there is no “strong” connection to a Higher Source, to God. For me, what touches most deeply are moments in prayer, alone – just God and I. Nothing, per se, planned out. Just a deep personal connection. I think that’s what also draws me into what you have shared – knowing that this is “you”, this is what you have written because it has deep meaning to YOU. Jenny, it’s your soul, shining out in those words…
Sending love and peace to you and your family,
Lance
Lance´s last blog ..Exposed
Jenny, Your site always leaves me feeling connected to myself and Truth.
Very beautiful prayer you shared(I think I will print out..hope that’s okay)
I believe that life and how we live it each day is both a meditation and a prayer. Desire is prayer. Allowing ourselves to be truthful and live that truthfulness is an expression of prayer. Living with purity of intention, thought and action is prayer.
I love your courage and your willingness to keep guide us to our leading edges! You rock at that. This post was so perfect for the week both behind me and ahead…blessings to you.
Katie
Katie West/The Levity Coach´s last blog ..The Upside of Gravity
Jenny that is a wonderful prayer. I don’t pray as I don’t believe in God, however, I am spiritual and have goals and dreams I try and create through guided meditation which is a form of prayer. Wonderful post, thank you.
Steven Aitchison´s last blog ..Are You The Running (Wo)Man?
Hi Cath,
Wow anything with our kids is just so scary isn’t it? I am blown away you had the presence of mind to just ask for what was right. I hope Josh is fully recovered and you are so right — I try and find the meaning and lesson in EVERYTHING these days – ESPECIALLY what might normally be thought of as “a hardship”.
I am so happy you enjoyed the poem. It is funny — it wasn’t until AFTER I talked with Akemi I even realized I was praying!
I had begun my spiritual journey and I did ask a lot of questions and put forth my wishes and intentions in a state of reflective gratitude often. Akemi after my reading said “You pray a lot”. 
I finally realized what I HAD been doing and yes, I guess I had been and continue to pray an awful lot. It brings me peace and even though boy do I LOVE meditation — THAT state for me takes longer to achieve and I like to spend longer in it. I can get into prayer mode pretty quickly by just thinking of a few things I am grateful for and it brings me peace.
Thanks so much for commenting Cath and I absolutely LOVED your post on 5 reasons why you’re not happy.
Lots of Love, xo
Jenny
Hi Lance,
Yep, my soul is in this one alright! I was in a state where I really was being hard on myself (they come less frequently but ugh when they do it feels almost like they’re stronger now – think it’s the difference between my normal state and that state is growing so the discrepancy between the two can send me into quite the tail spin). ANYWAY….I’m not going to go on about how I get hard on myself for being hard on myself!
I use all my tools when I get into these – let’s call them “funks” now and my oldest and most true method of releasing is writing poetry. I open myself up and within 1/2 hour a poem is written and I usually just go back to edit it a few hours or a day later and I feel SO MUCH more myself. THIS time I wrote half and then could NOT finish it… really it’s never happened before and I found it was that there was even more releasing and observations and emotions I needed to go through before I could finish it. I had a BEAUTIFUL distance healing with someone in New Zealand and I felt all that I had been holding release – a “bonus” of reconnective healing is the practitioner can also receive healing during the sessions… I actually felt the worry, anguish and everything else I had been holding onto kind of wooosh out of me. 
The next morning the second half of the poem came as easily as the first… No wonder I LOVE this work! 
Thank you Lance for your kind words and your support. I so appreciate your friendship and the love and inspiration you share with the world.
Much Love,
Jenny
Hi Katie,
I am sooo honored you want to print out my poem — of course – by all means!
“I believe that life and how we live it each day is both a meditation and a prayer. Desire is prayer. Allowing ourselves to be truthful and live that truthfulness is an expression of prayer. Living with purity of intention, thought and action is prayer.” Now THAT is beautiful Katie! As I mentioned to Cath — I HAD been praying for months before I even realized WHAT I was doing.
I do feel all of what you wrote is a way of prayer too and that there is no WRONG or RIGHT way to pray. Being aligned with your soul and living from that — THAT is prayer.
I was so sorry to read about your accident but so happy to see the pictures of you driving the motorized shopping cart (the clown nose was a bonus) and enjoying the opportunity it had given you. There is a gift and there are lessons in everything. You bring so much joy with the Levity project and by showing people life is not as serious as we often tend to make it. I have noticed the more I laugh and enjoy life, the easier EVERYTHING including “work” flows.
Thanks so much for all your kind words Katie AND for taking the time to comment. It is deeply appreciated.
Lots of Love, xo
Jenny
Hi Steven,
I don’t think you HAVE to believe in “God” to pray. I feel connecting with the inner you is prayer and by meditating you certainly achieve that. I differentiate them because for me stopping the clanging of the bars of my monkey mind is not always easy and I give more time for that and achieving a deeply meditative state. For me I say prayers often throughout the day and it is that stopping in gratitude and really reflecting and putting forth my intentions. Of course prayer and meditation are just words and I don’t think it really is too important WHAT the word is that people say they do… more that that person is taking time to quiet their brain from the normal “voice in their head” to really go inside and honor the true them inside.
Your guided meditations are BEAUTIFUL Steven and they definitely bring a sense of peace and inter connectivity. Thank you for your work and for your kind words and commenting.
Love,
Jenny
Hi Jenny…
Love your poem!
Prayer? Hmmm I was raised in Catholic School – like you I was taught to memorize words and never really knew what I was saying…. I also remember people using prayer as a plea “Please god get me out of this one!”
As time has gone on – I have felt prayer is talking to god/universe/source and meditation is listening.
Today I have found the word “prayer” is not in my vocabulary – but I do indeed “talk” & “listen”. Who do I talk to? I would describe it as “talking and listening to my inner voice” that inner wisdom within us.
I don’t ask for things anymore – instead I focus on my inner wisdom already has the answers – I just need to connect and let the answers/clarity to flow through me.
Glad I visited here! Your website always puts a smile on my face!
Ellie Walsh´s last blog ..Home for Thanksgiving …
Hi Ellie,
I am so happy the site puts a smile on your face – yours does the same to me as well as when I get to see you in person!
Sounds like we had a similar “payer” experience and I like your distinction and that is how I see it too – one is talking while the other is listening. VERY Insightful.. As you could see from my poem — my prayers are asking for that connection to come easier – to be in that flow and receive.
It is amazing that the more I meditate and “get answers” the more it is a remembering — like as you said — the wisdom IS there – it is just quieting my mind enough and being in the flow enough to receive the information.
I always love hearing from you Ellie. Thanks for the comment and visit.
Lotsa Love, xo
Jenny
Jenny Mannion´s last blog ..Prayer – What Does it Mean to You?