How to Pray 9 Steps with Pictures wikiHow
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\n<\/p><\/div>"} 1 Take the time to pray. No matter how you pray or whom you pray to, it can be difficult to find time for prayer during busy times. One way to deal with this is to make prayer part of your daily routine, such as praying as soon as you wake up in the morning, right before you go to sleep, or before every meal.[3] X Expert Source Zachary RaineyOrdained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. There is no wrong time to pray. Many people pray during emotional times, like when they feel sad, scared, or happy. You can pray at any time of day, and as much or as little as you feel is sufficient for your spiritual life. Some people make it their goal to maintain a state of prayer all the time by remaining conscious of their spiritual connection throughout the day. Observant Jews pray 3 times a day (Shacharit, Minchah, and Maariv/Arvith) and Muslims pray 5 times a day.[4] X Research source Still others pray completely spontaneously, when the mood calls or when certain occasions arise (for one's parents, before a meal, etc.). In short, do what you feel compelled to do. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Pray-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Pray-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Pray-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid2536-v4-728px-Pray-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"} 2 Find a good spot to pray. You will find that you can pray anytime, anywhere, anyhow.[5] X Expert Source Zachary RaineyOrdained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. It may help to be in a place where the focus is on spirituality (such as a church or temple) or where the environment reminds you of your spiritual bond (like a natural setting, or a spot with a big view). You can choose to pray in the presence of others, or you can pray privately. For some religions, like Buddhism, meditation is a standard form of prayer (or, sometimes, prayer is a standard form of meditation). Finding a place where you can quiet yourself and feel connected to your spirituality is an equally respectable form of prayer. Whether an open field or a bowing congregation zens you, find your "place of worship." Advertisement {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Pray-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Pray-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Pray-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid2536-v4-728px-Pray-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"} 3 Know your purpose. Often, prayer accompanies a ritual, giving purpose to the prayer. It can be a lengthy fire-burning ceremony offering sacrifices to ensure good luck the coming season or it can be a simple, thoughtful utterance in thanks for a meal. It does not have to ask, plead, question or thank; all it must do is appreciate. Prayer can be a conversation, but it certainly doesn't have to be. Some religions relish prayer as an opportunity for intellectual contemplation. In addition, prayer does not have to have anything to do with you. Roman Catholic tradition includes specific prayers and devotions as "acts of reparation," or amending others' sins.[6] X Research source Once you know why you're praying, is there anyone specific you're thinking of to talk to? If you are looking to have a dialogue, who with? {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Pray-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Pray-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Pray-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid2536-v4-728px-Pray-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"} 4 Understand that prayer does not have to involve crafted, reflective silence. It can be virtually anything. Song and dance have long been parts of many religions' repertoires of prayer. Even some Christians pray while exercising their body![7] X Research source Whatever gets you closer to your spirituality, your God, can be an activity of prayer. If a runner's high gets you there, fantastic. If curled up in your sheets does, great. You can scream at the top of your lungs and dart for the hilltops if it makes you appreciative, full of wonder, or thankful. Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:The Act of Prayer {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Pray-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Pray-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Pray-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid2536-v4-728px-Pray-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"} 1 Get into your prayer position. This depends on the belief you have, if any. Sometimes expressing your thoughts physically can make the experience more complete. People vary in how they position themselves during prayer: sitting, kneeling, lying down on the floor, hands folded, clasped, or raised high, holding hands with other people, head bowed, dancing, prostrating, whirling, swaying, and so on. Some people even pray with their eyes open; and some closed. Every religious person has beliefs that feel right for them. What feels right for you? In addition to thinking about the position of your body, consider the position of your body in space. Some religions believe in facing a certain direction during the act of prayer (toward Mecca, for example). If there's a spiritual place in your life, consider its place relative to you. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Pray-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Pray-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Pray-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/aid2536-v4-728px-Pray-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"} 2 Prepare for praying. Dependent upon your belief, you may have a ritual way to prepare for praying. You may find that it gets you in the right mindset. Prepare in whichever way you feel is comfortable or appropriate. All around the world, people are washing, anointing with oil, ringing bells, burning incense or paper, lighting candles, facing specific directions, making the sign of the cross, or fasting. Sometimes the preparation is directed by someone else, such as a spiritual friend, a group prayer leader, or a teacher of your beliefs. It can be in the few minutes beforehand (such as washing or the sign of the cross) or it can be for days or even weeks (in the case of fasting). Many religions take your appearance into account. Certain clothes are deemed appropriate or inappropriate for prayerful gatherings. If for some reason you find your current dress distracting, opt for a presentation that is more reminiscent of you and your spirituality. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Pray-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Pray-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Pray-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid2536-v4-728px-Pray-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"} 3 Begin the prayer. You can pray by speaking out loud, thinking, singing, etc. Some prayers are recited from memory or read from a book, while other prayers are more like conversations.[8] X Expert Source Zachary RaineyOrdained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. You may open the prayer by calling on the God(s) or Deity(s) you are praying to, and asking for help (or whatever your intention). There is no wrong way to go about it. If a memorized prayer or chant delivers the point of your intended message, there is no need to go about searching for words. But if you have a specific thought, question, or concern in mind, any informal dialogue counts just as much. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Pray-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Pray-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Pray-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid2536-v4-728px-Pray-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"} 4 Make the request, ask the question, or just make your voice heard. You can ask for answers, seek strength, send good wishes to others, or give thanks.[9] X Expert Source Zachary RaineyOrdained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. Perhaps the most basic forms of prayer are requests for help in becoming a good (or better) person, and requests that your deity(s) direct your prayer. There is no length of time necessary for a prayer. After all, the big guy upstairs (or one of the big guys (girls)) would certainly appreciate even a "Hey, thanks!" Clearing your mind and becoming silent can be a useful part of prayer. Don't feel the need to be constantly thinking, talking, or listening for messages. You may find a clearer mind that has the answers in contemplative silence. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Pray-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Pray-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Pray-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid2536-v4-728px-Pray-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"} 5 End the prayer. Some people end or close the prayer with a special word, phrase or a gesture, or simply by standing or sitting in silence for a minute or two, or saying "Amen." You'll know when your prayer is complete. Remove yourself, still reflectively, from your position or location and go about your day, a little more spiritually than before. Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:Prayers or Spiritual Actions by Faith Buddhism How to Say a Buddhist Prayer How to Practice Buddhist Meditation How to Open Your Spiritual Chakras Christianity How to Pray the Lord's Prayer How to Pray Effectively (Christianity) How to Appreciate Speaking in Tongues How to Make a Prayer Journal How to Pray to Jesus Catholicism How to Pray the Rosary How to Cross Yourself Hinduism How to Perform Puja Islam How to Perform Wudu How to Perform Salah How to Find the Qibla for Prayer Judaism How to Perform Netilat Yadayim How to Practice and Memorize Prayers for Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah How to Blow a Shofar Nature/Pagan How to Conduct an Odinist Ritual How to Ground and Center How to Connect With a Higher Spirit through Nature Unitarian Universalist How to Say a Unitarian Universalist Prayer Zen How to Do Zazen How to Begin Zen Meditation (Zazen) Community Q& A Add New Question Question How many hours a day should I pray? Community Answer The amount of time usually isn't as important as the quality of time. Pray first thing, if you can, because it's always ]good to connect with God before you begin your day. And pray as long as you are able to. Remember, prayer is spending time with God, not a competition or a performance. Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?Learn about yourself with Quizzes or try our brand new Train Your Brain word game. Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 140 Question How can talk to God about my family problems? Community Answer Just pray. Stay relaxed. Sit in a meditation position, then take a deep breath to relax, then you pray. Tell God what happened with your family, pray to God for smoothness in your life, but don't forget to be thankful and grateful always. Then just breathe, let go of what it was, and accept what happened. Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?Learn about yourself with Quizzes or try our brand new Train Your Brain word game. Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 111 Question What words should I use to pray to God? Community Answer Talk to God with your regular vocabulary, as you would to a family member or friend. If you're looking for specific prayers to recite, the Lord's Prayer is a good one. You could also pray many of the psalms. Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.Looking for more fun ways to learn on wikiHow?Learn about yourself with Quizzes or try our brand new Train Your Brain word game. Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 134 See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Tips Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
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Learn about yourself with Quizzes or try our brand new Train Your Brain word game. Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0 For Christians, pray with agreement and faith, e.g.: if wanting relief for something, declare thanks to God, thanking Him that he has already provided and given your miracle: "Lord I thank you for healing my _____" (mind, soul, leg, heart-trouble, or as it may be). And seek to be blessed -- doing your part, including helping others with right attitudes/beatitudes, to not bring adverse consequences upon yourself and others. Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
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Learn about yourself with Quizzes or try our brand new Train Your Brain word game. Helpful 62 Not Helpful 15 Advertisement You Might Also Like How toThank God for Every Blessing He Has Given Us How toCommune with God (Christianity) How toBecome More Spiritual How toMeditate How toPray in Hindu Temples How toSay a Well Rounded Prayer to God How toPray as a Christian How to Pray Janazah How toPray a Novena How toBless a House How toFast and Pray for a Breakthrough How toSay Grace How toRepent How toTalk to God Advertisement References ↑ http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pray ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acts_of_reparation ↑ http://www.jtsa.edu/miriams-song-and-the-role-of-music-in-prayer ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. More References (1) Wikipedia article on the Efficacy of Prayer About This Article wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 137 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 1,387,301 times. 30 votes - 87% Co-authors: 137 Updated: June 1, 2022 Views: 1,387,301 Categories: Religion | Prayer Article SummaryXTo pray, get into whatever prayer position feels most natural to you. Try sitting, kneeling, or lying down, with your hands clasped or held up. Then, start to pray in whatever way feels right to you: by speaking out loud, thinking, singing, dancing, reading, or calling on the god(s) you’re praying to. You can ask for answers or strength, send good thoughts to others, give thanks, or even have a simple conversation. When you’re ready, end the prayer with a word, phrase, or gesture. Let the spirituality and peace you feel carry you through the rest of your day. If you want to learn specific prayers based on what religion you believe, continue reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo In other languages Español:rezar Italiano:Pregare Русский:молиться 中文:祷告 Français:prier Bahasa Indonesia:Berdoa العربية:الصلاة الدينية Nederlands:Bidden हिन्दी:प्रार्थना करें 한국어:기도하는 법 Print Send fan mail to authors Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,387,301 times. Did this article help you Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. About This Article Co-authors: 137 Updated: June 1, 2022 Views: 1,387,301 87% of readers found this article helpful. 30 votes - 87% Click a star to add your vote % of people told us that this article helped them. 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