Look:
Lent is most predominantly a season of prayer. But there are many diverse ways that we pray in the U.S. and around the world. Today, I took from Maggie Oman's Shannon's book, "The Way We Pray: Prayer Practices from Around the World," and I share with you some of my favorites. Consider taking one of them or a few of them up as your spiritual discipline for this time and reflect on its effect.
Body Prayer (India, multi-faith): This idea predominantly stems from India's practice of yoga. The word means "unite" and the goal is to connect the body with the spirit through breath continuity, meditation, and physical postures as a way to meet God. I invite you to try some simple yoga moves, or create your own prayer using gestures representing gratitude, joy, petition, awe, etc.
Icons (Russian Orthodox): The word "icon" comes from the Greek word for image. They are most commonly pictorial representations of religious figures. Many who use icons have them around their house and in a specific place (or places). They serve as a continual reminder of God's presence as well as a focus for being with God. I invite you to look at some pictures of icons and see which ones speak to you, as well as to create your own or make an altar of icons you may already have (like picture frames or artwork that reminds you of God's presence).
Storytelling (African, multi-faith): Author Chinua Achebe once said, "The story is our escort; without it , we are blind. Does the blind man own his escort? No, neither do we the story; rather is is the story that owns us and directs us." Stories are the main ways we create and extract meaning in our religious traditions. Rarely, however, do we look at our own method of the stories we tell or how stories are told to us. I invite you to examine both of these areas, as well as intentionally thinking of stories as a form of prayer. Reflect on stories that have impacted your life, scriptural or otherwise, and look for "stories behind the stories" in your daily life.
Despachos (South American): This is a tradition used in Andean regions as a form of offering gratitude to God. Despachos are everyday items that are ritualized
into special significance for the person and can represent various sentiments. Usually, they are wrapped in small packets of paper and then unwrapped during special times. I invite you to start looking around your surroundings for items that are meaningful to you. Collect them, wrap them, and bring them out to remind yourself of God's presence working through these items.
Prayer Flags (Tibetan): Prayer flags are colorful pieces of fabric with special sayings, prayers or mantras
written on them. They are more traditionally hung outside so that the wind can rustle them, thus symbolic of the atmosphere receiving the prayers. Consider making your own prayer flag, or having flags of this nature in a place where you can view wind (God's presence) moving through them.
Prayer Rugs (Arab): In contrast to the above, prayer rugs can create a sense of groundedness for those who use them. The idea is to create a clean space for experiencing God, and since it is usually practiced 5 times a day in Arab contexts, it also works on one's routine and orientation (physical-Mecca). Consider using a rug, or picking out a specific space used only for prayer. Consider also praying at certain times a day and using a specific movement along with it.
Vision Quest (Native American): During this time of Lent, even Jesus went on his own vision quest in the desert. Native Americans use this practice to seek divine guidance on a particular issue, or during a transitional life period. It requires a time of isolation and of being removed, most commonly in nature. Consider a time you might be able to withdraw in order to seek guidance. Clarify your quest and what you are exploring, and then when in a place of nature (or as close as possible) be aware of God speaking to you.
Listen:
This video from spiritual leader, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh is a direction in mindfulness meditation. Enjoy.
Shannon, Maggie Oman. The Way We Pray: Prayer Practices from Around the World. Berkeley: Conari Press, 2001.
Originally posted on 3/9/11
