Meditation, Prayer and Healing

Prayer and healing are considered similar aspects of many religious traditions. Prayers for healing are common throughout the world. Although many people continue to perceive prayers as strictly Christian, this is not the case.

Throughout the centuries, people of all religious backgrounds have turned to prayer. In times of need, as part of a regular religious service and for special concerns, the use of prayer is a common characteristic binding disparate religious groups.

Prayer seems to satisfy a specific need. It is a means of addressing issues – personal or universal e.g. healing prayers. It acts as a vessel for our thoughts, hopes and dreams. What we may never say out loud to someone we care about, we may communicate in a prayer.

Prayer can take many forms. It may be a personal votive. It may also be a universal plea. The variety is also found in our choice of location. We may pray in a religious establishment. We may also pray at home or anywhere in the world around us. In places where audible prayer is not permitted, we can do so silently. Prayer, after all, is not required to be heard by our ears.

What is Prayer?

Prayer is a means through which we communicate with “the other”. This can be a supreme being, e.g. God or Gods, Buddha or spirits. We can also use a prayer to help us reach our inner child, inner self or life force.

Prayer doesn't have to be a rhyme. It can assume any form, from single syllables to elaborate songs. As in most cases, when dealing with different spiritual entities (including our own spiritual self), it's all about our intent.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a state of body and mind. It often refers not to the action but the lack of it. When we meditate, we are at rest. Our mind ceases to wander restlessly and doesn't interfere with awareness. The overall purpose of this is to achieve a form of self-realization.

While meditation can be part of a religious practice, it doesn't have to be. Several major religious groups and denominations include meditation as part of their practice. Although it may be important, it's not always a major component of the religion. It's a tool, like mindfulness, that helps us achieve our goals. This is true whether it's enlightenment or prayer and healing.

The Connection between Meditation and Prayer

Meditation and prayer and healing are not mutually exclusive. In many religions, the one precedes the other. In other words, we might pray to a being, entity or concept before we meditate. Buddhism, for example, features prayers to use before we meditate. We can, in the case of healing, offer a prayer to the Medicine Buddha.

We may also use a general healing prayer to help us focus on what we need. In doing so, we may use prayer and meditation to go deep within ourselves. We then rely on our body’s own natural healing powers to help us.

Some people believe that when meditation becomes a spiritual search, it is closely akin to prayer. Others see an interconnection but categorize the two differently. In reality, it doesn't matter. Both work to promote individual and group good. We may employ both to help individuals and even the world heal.

Healing, Prayer and Meditation

A strong relationship exists between prayer and healing, and prayer, healing and meditation. The three concepts work together to create a unified and complementary approach to a very human problem. There are, besides healing prayers, meditations for healing.

When seeking healing, many turn to prayer. It may be Christian with its belief that God will provide the answers. It may be a Buddhist Prayer to the Medicine Buddha. He will also help you find within yourself the answer to your health issue. Always remember, it's not the form that counts. It's all about intent.

Need a broader perspective on health problems or life issues? Need support in healing? Learn what you can get from a healing consultation.

Contact me if you have questions.



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