Prayer

"Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Christian prayer is dialogue with God—Father, through Jesus, in the Holy Spirit. It includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. Jesus taught the Lord's Prayer as a model. The contemplative tradition includes centering prayer and Lectio Divina. Prayer transforms the person praying as much as it seeks to transform circumstances. Source ✤

"Establish prayer (salat), for prayer prevents indecency and evil." (Quran 29:45) The five daily prayers (salat) structure Muslim life—Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha. Preparation through ablution (wudu), direction to Mecca (qibla), and precise movements unite body and spirit. In addition to salat, there is dua (personal supplication). Prayer is constant remembrance of Allah. Source ✤

"The mantra is the bridge between the human mind and the divine Mind." (Hindu tradition) Hinduism offers multiple forms of prayer: puja (worship ritual), japa (repetition of mantras), dhyana (meditation), stotra (hymns). Each path—bhakti, jnana, karma—has its practices. Mantras like Gayatri and Om Namah Shivaya connect the devotee to the divine. Source ✤

"Meditation is the path to enlightenment." (Buddhist tradition) Although Buddhism does not have prayer to a creator god, it has rich contemplative practices. Meditation (bhavana) includes samatha (tranquility) and vipassana (insight). In Mahayana traditions, there is devotion to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Each conscious breath is a form of meditation. Source ✤

"Meditation is returning to the source." (Taoist tradition) Taoism emphasizes emptying meditation—zuowang (sitting and forgetting). The goal is to return to the primordial Tao. Confucianism practices jingzuo (sitting stillness) to cultivate virtue. Reverence for ancestors includes regular prayers and offerings. Source ✤

"Prayer is conversation with the Orixás and ancestors." (Candomblé Tradition) In Candomblé, communication with the Orixás takes place through songs (orikis), offerings and ritual possession. In Umbanda, sung points invoke entities. Consulting Ifá/Búzios is a form of prayer that seeks guidance. The black elders of Umbanda teach syncretic prayers. The faith healers maintain popular prayer traditions with African roots. The body participates—dance is prayer. Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, prayer is cultivated through disciplined practice. Regular reflection and repeated habits shape the mind and heart over time. Progress is measured in consistency rather than quick results. Source ✤

"Naam Japna: Meditate on the Name of God." (One of the three pillars of Sikhism) Naam Japna is one of the three pillars of Sikh life. The Gurbani (scripture) is recited and chanted. Japji Sahib is recited every morning; Rehras at dusk; Kirtan Sohila at night. Meditation on the Waheguru (Wonderful Lord) is central to Sikh spirituality. Source ✤

"Tefillah (prayer) is the service of the heart." (Talmud) Judaism has a structured cycle of prayer: Shacharit (morning), Mincha (afternoon), Maariv (evening). The Shema affirms the oneness of God. The Amidah (eighteen blessings) is the central prayer. In addition to the set prayers, there are kavanah—personal intention. Praying in community (minyan) is preferable, but individual prayer is also valid. Source ✤

"The state of prayer is the best of all states." (Bahaullah) Bahais are required to one of three daily obligatory prayers. Furthermore, morning and afternoon reading of the Writings is recommended. The Bahai prayer combines revealed words with heart attitude. Silent meditation complements verbal prayer. Source ✤

"Prayer is the bridge to the divine." (Zoroastrian tradition) Zoroastrians pray five times a day (Geh). The Avesta contains the sacred prayers, including the Gathas of Zarathustra. The fire ritual includes specific prayers. The sacred thread (kusti) is tied with prayers. Prayer in ancient Avestan connects with ancient tradition. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, prayer is cultivated through disciplined practice. Regular reflection and repeated habits shape the mind and heart over time. Progress is measured in consistency rather than quick results. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, prayer is cultivated through disciplined practice. Regular reflection and repeated habits shape the mind and heart over time. Progress is measured in consistency rather than quick results. Source ✤

"To the gods I lift my voice in supplication." (Sumerian Prayer) The Sumerians prayed to the gods through hymns, laments and supplications. Temples (ziggurats) were centers of prayer. Priests mediated between humans and gods. Offerings accompanied the prayers. Inanna, Enlil, Enki and other gods were invoked for specific needs. Source ✤

"Horus, son of Isis, hear my prayer." (Egyptian formula) The ancient Egyptians prayed to specific gods as needed: Isis for protection, Thoth for wisdom, Hathor for love. Hymns and formulas were recited in temples and at home. Prayers included offerings—incense, food, libations. The Book of the Dead contains prayers for the afterlife journey. Source ✤