Learning to pray

Praying can take many forms, but in essence is a way of deepening your connection and having a conversation with divine presence, however you imagine that.

It usually helps to be clear who you are praying to before you begin. If you already feel connected to an established spiritual path, this should be easy. If not, try to feel a connection with your soul, and then feel into a name or an image of divinity that feels comfortable to you.

Find a good time and place: maybe a quiet room at home, or somewhere in Nature. Try to clear your mind of busy ideas. Turn off your mobile!

Now, connect with your own soul if you can, so you are praying from your soul. If that feels difficult, try praying from the heart.

Next, reach out to the form of divinity you’re praying to: by name if that’s comfortable, or visualise an image, as above. I’m going to use Great Spirit as an example.

• Call for a connection: “I, …………………….. (your name), am reaching out in prayer to you …………………….. (e.g. Great Spirit).”
• Gratitude: start with appreciating the blessings in your life. If you see divinity as the creator, thank them for these blessings, for the beauty of nature, etc.
• Share how you are: tell Great Spirit how your soul is feeling, speak honestly as you would to a friend.
• Ask for help: especially if you’re in a low mood, pray for what your soul is yearning for. Just put out a call, preferably without expectations about results.
• Listen: be still for a few minutes, and see if you receive a response: it might come as a body feeling, or an image, not as words.
• Close: complete your prayer by thanking Great Spirit for the connection, and wishing them well. You might like to say Amen, or Blessed Be, to close the connection.