Prayer and Fasting: Part 1 - PRAY
Liz Glover Wilson
In the tradition of yoga, prayer involves “practicing the presence.” This state of reverent meditation supplants the individual ego and fosters a “oneness” with the Divine pure-consciousness.
This idea that G_d - or the Divine known by any other name - exists is prevalent in nearly all cultures and is acknowledged by the act of prayer.
In stillness, we find this raw authenticity; cultivating a deeper level of self-representation or true humility as we recognize the power and vastness of Divine pure-consciousness.
A Prayer can be verbal and it can also be mental. There are many forms and levels of prayer. The most important thing is that it is authentic and from your heart.
This past week, I have been leading students through a contemplation about prayer using the acronym P. R. A. Y. to guide us to Divine pure-consciousness.
P – Pause and be still. Find your breath steady and slow. Calm the body and mind.
R – Rejoice and Reflect on all you have to be grateful for. Redirect your thoughts and focus to all that is good, pure, and uplifting.
A – Ask for guidance, healing, abundance and access to more understanding.
Y – Yield and surrender to what is; understanding that there is always a greater and more powerful design for our lives. What will be, will be. We ask to be led to non-attachment; to pure states of surrender.
THE WINTER PRAYER
Feel free to follow this Winter prayer, or let it inspire you to create your own.
As I enter into a time of prayer and contemplation, I pause to be still.
To breathe slowly; to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of pure-consciousness and Divine love.
In this winter season, I pause.
My gaze softens and my body releases as I watch the slow and steady decent of the snowflake as it mindfully lands and merges with the vast whiteness.
In this winter season, I pause.
My breath slows to a deep purposeful inhalation, and the fullest of exhalations; synchronizing with the calm of the stillness of the nature around me.
In this winter season, I pause.
I am aware of the dark bits in me. The parts of me I hide from Divine healing light for reasons that are limited and small.
In this winter season, I pause.
I now speak the words to be led from darkness to light. From ignorance to truth. From death to immortality.
असतोमा सद्गमय ।
तमसोमा ज्योतिर् गमय ।
मृत्योर्मामृतं गमय ॥
ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्तिः ।।
asato mā sadgamaya
tamasomā jyotir gamaya
mrityormāamritam gamaya
Oṁ śhānti śhānti śhāntiḥ
Amen - with Gratitude to Divine consciousness;
How precious is your unfailing (unconditional) love, Oh Divine G_d!
All humanity (can and will) find shelter in the shadow of your wings.
You (Divine) feed humanity from the abundance of your house (limitless offerings of peace),
Letting them drink from Your rivers of delights (abundance).
For You are the fountain of life, the light by which we see (and, then know pure-consciousness).
Psalm 36:7-9