Preparing for Prayer

It is important to remember that prayer is not something we can decide to take up whenever we feel like it. It is necessary to prepare a little before praying in order to get the most benefit out of our prayer time. The following is a simple guide.

Relax before praying

·        Keep feet flat on the ground

·        Keep back straight and spine erect

·        Keep head straight, not drooping

·        Keep hands on knees or one resting in the palm of the other, in the lap

·        Keep eyes preferably closed, or open and fixed on a point/object/image in front

·        Don’t think!

·        Keep your mind blank!

·        Don’t force any feelings one way or the other

·        Just let go of everything

·        Relax all your muscles, one by one, from your toes to the top pf the head

·        Become aware of your breathing but without changing it other than to gradually slow it down

It is useful when starting out to have a set image or text in mind to use as a focus for prayer. In time one will be able to move towards contemplation wherein no “aids” are required other than self and God. It should be noted that can take quite some time to achieve, in fact some never achieve it but keep on praying nonetheless.

It has been said by many authors that trying to pray is itself a prayer – so don’t despair if it seems hard going!