How do you pray?

[Teenytoona]

Not sure if this is a 'religious studies" question or not. Just wonder how it works for other people.

For me it varies, sometimes it's very conversational, other times it's more abstract, sort of a concept that I hold in my head. I know some folks do specific prayers (the first that comes to mind is the Hail Mary from my catholic days), while I am sure others have different ways.

Do you vary it based on reason? Do you have a regular prayer time? Tell me about it.

[genifer]

I just pray, all day Im in prayer of some kind. It can be conversational, it can be in the form of requests, for wisdom, for something we need, for understanding... Im just always in prayer. Its become just an extention of who I am by now.

[afishwithabike]

I am much like Genifer in this regard. I also like to journal my feelings and prayers. It's so much easier for me to stay focused this way.

I try to model my prayers as is done in the Lord's prayer. Starting with praise and then asking and acknowledging his power in my life. Then asking that his will be done in the things I am asking for whether it be for me or others. Praise does become a HUGE part of my prayer life.

[eilonwy]

I pray frequently, and in a variety of different ways. It's different every time, though... I mean I could spend all day answering this question. Reasons? Different spirit moving me, perhaps, or a different purpose/nature to the prayer/s. I've been known to Call the Quarters and Cast Circle in a very Wiccan fashion. I've also been known to get dressed appropriately, face East and whip out my old Siddur, or to meditate with the aid of music (or incense. or silence). Many many answers. I'm curious, though: Why do you ask?

[Peacemon]

I pray at nighttime. Or when I nap with my youngest. As I lay there I pray and try to hear what my God wants me to know. And thru out the day, I pray to God as if He were right in front of my face, or sitting beside me. IMO, that is where He is, He is with me always.
I used to pray in the mornings, but I am so not a morning person!!

[mamabadger]

Like most people in my church, I use a standard prayer book. The usual practice is 15-20 minutes of prayers in the morning, about the same length of time in the evening. They are said/read aloud, ideally, even if very quietly; while standing, facing east if possible. That, along with prayers before meals, is one part of my daily prayer rule.

The second part is spontaneous, personal prayer, which varies according to circumstances. Those can be said silently any time, anywhere.

The third part is the Jesus Prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me," or some variation of it, which is said repeatedly during quiet times or at moments of distress. Some people use a knotted prayer rope to help focus on the prayer.

[Sailor]

I'm reading a book right now - "Prayer: A History". It's really fascinating. It takes you through prehistoric times to present day, spanning all cultures and all religions. I'm only on chapter 3, but am already hooked. It's written very well, and basically takes you through the history of how people pray.

[Magelet]

I pray in many different ways. I say the traditional blessing over Shema right now, and am saying it a lot. I only know the first line, not the several sentances, so that is what I chant. sometimes, I'll talk to G-d, which I also consider praying. I don't know, just like a conversation. Sometimes, when I'm emotionally distraught, I pray rather dramatically. I cry, and call out to g-d, and chout, and beg, and cry out to g-d. sometimes, I become aware of G-d's presence, often while lighting holiday candles, but sometimes all of a sudden, I'll be driving or walking along, in the city or wilderness, and become very aware of G-d's presence, and this too, I call prayer.

[Teenytoona]

Originally Posted by eilonwy

I pray frequently, and in a variety of different ways. It's different every time, though... I mean I could spend all day answering this question. Reasons? Different spirit moving me, perhaps, or a different purpose/nature to the prayer/s. I've been known to Call the Quarters and Cast Circle in a very Wiccan fashion. I've also been known to get dressed appropriately, face East and whip out my old Siddur, or to meditate with the aid of music (or incense. or silence). Many many answers. I'm curious, though: Why do you ask?

In answer to your question - praying how I learned growing up was very structured - the official catholic prayers and whatnot. And I've always gravitated to a more free form. I wonder how many people do it this way or that. Also I wonder frequently how these thigns work in other people's minds. Also when someone says "pray really hard" I can'thelp but picture a kid with eyes scrunched up really tight and praying extra loudly, and wonder if others do that (or at least see it).

Originally Posted by Sailor

I'm reading a book right now - "Prayer: A History". It's really fascinating. It takes you through prehistoric times to present day, spanning all cultures and all religions. I'm only on chapter 3, but am already hooked. It's written very well, and basically takes you through the history of how people pray.

Oh that's really cool! I will check our library for that one.

Thanks everyone who's commented. I am glad to see a range of different beliefs here.

I think my ideal is something like Anne of Green Gables said (major paraphrasing here) - find a beautiful forest and just feel a prayer.