jakorte's blog

I changed my position on prayer.

Basking in a sunny Sunday morning, listening to the crisp fall breeze carry caws and chirps and chatters, coffee cup in hand, I realized I have been praying down - eyes closed focused on my hands or lap or perhaps the floor.

About a year ago, in my ever active pursuit of peace and contentment, I purchased a daily affirmation book: Spiritual Diary, An Inspirational Thought for Each Day of the Year by Paramahansa Yogananda and others. Occasionally, I remember to thumb through it, always choosing the appropriate date.

Yesterday’s 9/11 daily rumination apparently caught my attention in a way I was unaware of. It’s not like I consciously carried it with me all day, or even thought much about it after it was read.

Then, this morning, in the perfect surroundings, I thought to aim my prayer focus into the space between the brows know as the spiritual center. Before I even began to name my morning prayers, I realized I was praying up. My body followed my closed eyes, trained upward, chin slightly raised, shoulders straight, back tall.

In many religions we are trained in supplication, positioning ourselves as naughty children, davening, bowing our heads or down on our knees, forever asking for forgiveness and guidance. I've found this new position promotes something more powerful. It brings about an awareness of prayers that are flowing from the heart up through the head to pinpoint place of concentration.

My prayers were not so much a lame and lowly “forgive me” but a more powerful, highly aimed “give me.” Dear Lord, give me strength to face whatever lies ahead, as I change my heart and my body, my mind and my focus both physically and spiritually.

I reposted this 9/11 comment from a friend who wrote: “[she] stands arm in arm with all who mourn, regardless of what they call their book.” Wholly against fanaticism, I hold my beliefs solidly; yet open enough to know there is something to be gained from every method of spiritual focus.

I plan on holding my new position, whether alone or among others, praying this personal prayer:
Dear Lord, give me strength to face whatever lies ahead, as I change my heart and my body, my mind and my focus; both physically and spiritually.

In this issue: Bindi, Spirit, Build-a-Prayer, Paramahansa Yogananda
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