The Practice of Prayer

Prayer is not only about asking for something but also about engaging in conversation with God. In the Hebrew Bible, there are different words for prayer, including one that simply means talking to God. The main word used for prayer, 'palel', has roots in Arabic and refers to a kind of sword, symbolizing how prayer can be an active and powerful practice, enabling individuals to intercede and bring about change. Prayer can involve various practices, such as prayer labyrinths, where one follows a winding path to reflect inwardly and then return outwardly, prayer of the beloved, a simple mantra focusing on our identity as beloved of God, prayers of the hours, which are prayers at specific times of the day to seek strength and guidance, centering prayer, a practice of finding stillness and focusing on a repeated phrase or word, and imaginative prayer, where one uses their imagination to enter into different scenes or spaces with God. These practices can provide opportunities for reflection, communion, and transformation in our relationship with God.