Introduction:

Jesus revolutionized prayer by making it direct, intimate and loving.

No longer is there a special place or set up necessary. No longer is there a priest intermediary necessary. No longer is there fear or begging. There is no requirement to pray; no punishment for not praying.

To pray we converse either with God or with the “inner light” (The “inner light” is described by both Buddhists and Quakers as being a wise and loving part of our innermost being).

Prayer is the entry point into our spiritual world.  Enter, experiment, and enjoy.

Three types of prayer:

There are three types of prayer.

1/ Spoken prayer: The first type is simple spoken prayer; recite a prayer through.

The second and third are two unique styles of silent prayer.

2/ Reflective prayer: The second type of prayer is silent reflective prayer.  Read (or recite) a section of a prayer and then stop and quietly think about its meaning.  After a space of time read the next section and again stop and think about its meaning.

3/ Meditative prayer: The third type of prayer is meditative prayer. Read a section of a prayer and stop and stay in simple awareness (or a quiet awareness of the divine).  After a time read the next section of a prayer and again stop and stay in simple awareness.

 

The Lords Prayer:

The revolutionary aspect of the Lord’s prayer is not only that it is universalist rather than denominational, but that it emphasizes a direct and loving exchange with the divine (or the inner light).

Jesus does not give the answers.  He leaves you free, even challenges you, to find your own meaning.  He does not say how often to pray or for how long.  That is left to you.

Personalize the prayer.  Find your own meaning.

If you are put off by the language in the Lords Prayer, you will need to translate the words into a prayer or meditation that captures the meaning.  Below are two versions of the Lords prayer, the second one is non theist.

 

Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew

Matthew 6: 9-12

9 You, therefore, should pray like this —

‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
may your name be held holy,

10 your kingdom come, your will be done —
on earth, as in heaven.

11 Give us today
the bread that we will need;

12 and forgive us our wrong-doings,
as we have forgiven those who have wronged us;

13 and take us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.’

 

Non–Theist Lord’s Prayer

(Adapted from the book “By Jesus”)

Spirit of love within me, of fairness and kindness without end, loving and caring as the most loving and caring mother or father, I fix my mind on you, with love.

Fill my heart and hearts everywhere, today, with love and power to make this earth a heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Show us your way of love to face and overcome hard tests of courage: and keep me from all that is bad.