Prayers are the Spiritual Words that Communicate with the Divine
Whether you're spontaneously creating your own prayer or reciting a formal prayer, prayer inspires the soul to communicate with God. There are many types of prayers in each religion. With intercessions prayers, prayers are said to help others in need. Petition prayers ask God for something, and penitential prayers express sorrow for sins. There are also meditation prayers for reflection and a time to hear God's voice.
Often, religions have their own ceremonies that are comprised of both formal and public prayers. For example, the Catholic mass is a coming together for the recitation of popular prayers like "The Lord's Prayer," "Hail Mary," and the "Apostle's Creed." The public prayer of Catholicism is referred to as the liturgy. Another popular type of prayer in the Catholic religion is the Novena. It is a nine-day period of prayer and was created on the time period between the Ascension and Pentecost. Catholics unite to praise God, give thanks and to offer their sacrifices. Many of the prayers are ancient and have been revered for generations.
Throughout history, the Jewish people have often turned to the Book of Psalms and recited King David's poetic supplications to ask God for mercy. According to the Midrash, King David intended the psalms for Jews of every generation and every circumstance. It is believed that these psalms shatter all barriers and put once in close communication with God.
People pray because the body needs the soul, and the soul needs the body. Both require spiritual nourishment for peace, safety, comfort and health. Through prayer, the soul and body experience harmony and develop in spirituality. It is a means of connecting with the divine and becoming one in mind, heart, soul and body. It is also a way to connect to our true purpose in life.
In addition to "The Lord's Prayer," the Bible is filled with popular prayers from historical figures. Found in Exodus 32:9-14, Moses's prayer for Israel in the wilderness beseeches God to preserve his character and not destroy Israel. David's prayer for pardon and confession of sin in psalm 51 is a classic prayer of repentance. Hezekiah's petitions for deliverance and healing are clearly seen in 2 Kings. His nation is about to be conquered by the mighty Assyrian army, and he desperately prays to the Almighty Father for deliverance.
Whether or not prayers are answered, the one praying typically relies on faith for the best outcome. Many times, it is seen that our creator has a different and greater plan. Knowing that the Lord has something different in mind gives peace and acceptance of another outcome to the prayer's purpose. Still, thousands of people are committed to the power of prayer and rely on it for guidance and help. While many believers attest to its power, science has not been able to identify a link. Perhaps, that's the real magic of prayer. Its real power is not determined by science, but in the person's faith in its power. One thing is for certain. Prayer will continue to play a role in society for generations to come.
To learn more about joyful prayers and poems of encouragement be sure to visit http://www.myprayers.net/.
