Recent surveys have shown that developing a spiritual life lowers stress and blood pressure, boosts the immune system , prevents anxiety and depression and makes you more efficient. For Christians prayer is central practice in the pursuit of a spiritual life. Most people pray at some point in their life to a higher power usually when we feel powerless or when we want something really badly. For Christians prayer is the means by which we commune with the living God, gain inspiration and enjoy spiritual experience.
Many of our best experiences are when we are taken out of ourselves in some way, through music or laughter, in love, or in nature. Prayer is one such experience where we can slow down, relax and set time aside from the hub bub of life and set ourselves apart. Prayer seems to have been common practice going way back into human history and despite living in a scientific, material and technological age millions of people still do it. We will often pray instinctively when in danger or in a difficult situation which is beyond our control. At these times there is a realization of our limitations, that there is something greater than ourselves who we feel the need to call upon.
Jesus himself prayed and taught his followers how to pray in a way that was very different to the way they were accustomed to in the synagogue. Jesus had a relaxed conversational style which seemed easy and natural, this simple style was in contrast to the Pharisees who were quite theatrical using long and fancy words. No special time of the day, no special venue, no special subjects are required to pray, very much a case of anytime, anyplace, anywhere.
Jesus often took himself off to a quiet place to spend time with his Abba (daddy) father. He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane before he was taken by the authorities and even as he was dying on the cross. In the Bible he gave the Lords prayer as a good example of how to pray. In it we are asked to pray that Gods name be hallowed, ultimate and special. That his will be done on earth so that what we ask for is according to Gods plan not just our own selfish needs and wants. We ask that others and ourselves be forgiven for wrongdoing also not to be tempted into doing harmful things and to receive strength to resist evil. We ask for bread which is the spiritual food that sustains us to do his good and loving works and finally it recognizes his kingdom as the power and the glory which we can experience now and look toward to in the future. In prayer we routinely give thanksgiving for all the good things in life, this grounds us giving a sense of appreciation and perspective helping us not to take things for granted. We ask that God help those in ill health, grief or distress in an act of hope and ask for help from the Holy Spirit to guide us on the right path.
Prayer can be done in community, in a church, monastery or home group and we know from the book of Acts that the early Christians prayed constantly together. Christians also make time to pray on their own either silently or out loud sometimes while quoting or reading scripture. Some people are able to incorporate prayer into their everyday routine. There are many prayer books which can give ideas and structure to prayer which cover every conceivable human situation and in many churches worship follows the Book of common prayer which is organised around the Christian calendar. Almost every church will say a variation of The Great Prayer during communion (the Eucharist) giving thanks for the bread and wine, repeating the words spoken by Jesus at the last supper. Names have been given to prayers said at different times of the day. Lauds (at dawn) Matins (early morning) Vespers (evening) and Compline (at night) and aside from these more formal forms most churches arrange prayer meetings to pray for those in their communities. Most prayers end with the word "Amen" which appears in the New Testament over 100 times, Jesus used it to emphasise and affirm that what was being said is true. Prayer when practiced earnestly can be seen as an act of obedience, dependence, hope and love.
Some people are perplexed by the idea that we should talk to a power or person that we cannot see or find it incredible that God might intercede in our daily concerns because we seem so insignificant in terms of the vastness of the universe. So why would God be concerned with us they say? We believe because we are created by him for his pleasure that he has our well being at heart, he wants to communicate the love and good things he has to offer. Prayer is not just about talking or making demands but also about listening and being receptive in that quiet time, prayer is not meant to change Gods mind but to rather share in his will, nor is it always about changing things but rather changing people because when we change in ourselves things around us often change also.
Our prayer life is part of our worship and becomes an integral part of our day and not just something we do in a time of emergency or as a form of religious duty. God wants us to relate to him willingly as in a relationship and when prayers are answered it has the effect of strengthening faith and thanksgiving. Christians experience and believe that prayers are answered, though not always in the way we would wish and that Gods interventions are more than just coincidence. We see prayer as an unseen but very real power and the means by which we communicate with God.
Faith is a key factor in our prayer life, by actually believing that God can heal, forgive, bring peace, joy and abundant life, we can enjoy an optimistic rather than pessimistic backdrop to life. We clearly do not get everything that we pray for but Prayer always works in a number of respects. In terms of relaxation, by us being still and focused, as a way of relieving stress, in finding time to reflect on life, by looking outwards to others rather than focusing purely on ourselves, by seeking humility, through feelings of hope, in developing positive thoughts of thanksgiving and by offloading emotions such as anger and guilt. At a practical level prayer can lead to a happy and healthy life and those who practice prayer regularly will attest to the benefits that a spiritual life in communion with God can bring.