"Prayer cannot change the unalterable Truth,

nor can prayer alone give an understanding of Truth;

but prayer, coupled with a fervent habitual desire to know

and do the will of God, will bring us into all Truth."

-Mary Baker Eddy

Any communication with the divine is prayer.  Prayer isn't reserved for churchgoers, devout people, ministers and monks.  Prayer isn't limited to words, churches or religious objects.  Prayer is a relationship that everyone has with the mystery we know as God.  Prayer is a basic human activity.

Prayer often begins as a longing in the heart, a longing for connection, a longing to make contact with a power greater than ourselves.  Other times prayer begins as a desperate need for help, peace, strength or comfort.  Other times prayer begins as a deep hope for others - to stop suffering, for the earth's healing, for care of the poor.  Sometimes prayer begins in fear - we reach out for something that will let us know that we will be okay. 

I find it natural to call out to God in the difficult times and to give praise and thanks it times of celebration.  It is those in between, everyday times where I need to make prayer a daily practise in my life.  If I don't make it a daily ritual, I run the risk of it becoming forgotten in my busy schedule.

Praying takes many forms: from highly structured words, to movement, to a silent listening.  Christian prayer may  be physical (lifting up your arms, kneeling...); prayer may be listening (noticing the words, images, feelings that God gives you); prayer may be action (helping a friend); or prayer may be just being (siting and enjoying God's presence in the world).  I encourage you all to explore different prayer forms until you find the one that works for you. 

Find your own prayer:

When do you feel most alive and open to God?  Is it when you are walking, writing, being with friends, singing?

Next time you engage in an activity you enjoy, as God to be with you.

See what it's like to do this activity as a prayer, noticing God with you as you write, play, sing, etc.

How do you feel when you share something you love with God?  How could this activity become a regular time of prayer?

"The great thing is prayer.  Prayer itself.

If you want a life of prayer, the way to get it is by praying...

You start where you are and you deepen what you already have."

-Thomas Merton.

Sources:

Way to Live, ed. Bass & Richter

I'd Say Yes, God, if I knew what You wanted, Reeves.