Editing Prayer (section)

= Prayer =
'''Prayer''' is a practice of communication, connection, or alignment with the divine, sacred, or transcendent reality. It is found in many religious and spiritual traditions and can take the form of spoken words, silent intention, ritualized phrases, or contemplative awareness.

== Overview ==
Prayer is used to express devotion, gratitude, requests, surrender, or contemplation. While often associated with religion, prayer can also be understood more broadly as intentional orientation toward meaning, higher principles, or ultimate reality.

== Core Forms of Prayer ==

=== Petitionary Prayer ===
A form of prayer where requests or needs are expressed to a divine or higher power.

=== Gratitude Prayer ===
Focuses on appreciation and acknowledgment of blessings or existence itself.

=== Devotional Prayer ===
Expresses love, reverence, and devotion toward the divine.

=== Contemplative Prayer ===
A silent or wordless form of prayer centered on presence, awareness, or union with the divine.

=== Mantra and Repetition ===
Repetition of sacred words or phrases to focus the mind and cultivate spiritual alignment.

== Purpose of Prayer ==
Different traditions describe prayer as serving various purposes:

* Communication with the divine
* Inner transformation and purification
* Cultivation of humility and devotion
* Alignment with spiritual principles
* Emotional comfort and grounding
* Development of awareness and presence

== Prayer in Traditions ==
Prayer appears across many spiritual systems:

* Christianity – spoken prayers, liturgy, contemplative prayer
* Islam – formal daily prayers (Salah) and remembrance (Dhikr in Sufi practice)
* Judaism – structured prayers and blessings
* Hinduism – mantras, puja, devotional chanting (Bhakti)
* Buddhism – chanting, aspirations, and mindfulness-based devotion
* Sufism – remembrance of God (Dhikr) and devotional poetry

== Key Concepts ==

=== Intention (Niyyah / Bhavana) ===
The inner state or intention behind prayer is often considered more important than the external form.

=== Presence ===
Many contemplative traditions emphasize awareness and presence over words or rituals.

=== Surrender ===
Prayer often involves letting go of ego-driven control and aligning with a higher order or will.

=== Sacred Relationship ===
Prayer can be understood as establishing or deepening a relationship with the divine or ultimate reality.

== Effects of Prayer ==
Reported effects may include:

* Emotional relief and comfort
* Increased sense of meaning or purpose
* Inner calm and grounding
* Strengthened focus and discipline
* Feelings of connection or transcendence

== See Also ==

* [[Meditation]]
* [[Consciousness]]
* [[Non-duality]]
* [[Rituals]]
* [[Mystical experiences]]