Heartfelt and Mindful Prayers Avail Much

 

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Therefore, openly acknowledge your sins to one another, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effectual.

~ James 5:16, CJB ~

Jesus Christ taught us how to pray. In recovery support meetings, people recite the Serenity Prayer. Catholics pray the Rosary. People of faith may even use prayer beads as a method of praying. Yet, are we praying from deep within our heart, our soul, and are we mindful in how we pray?

When I pray throughout the day, I may find myself falling into the habit of parroting words without being aware of their meaning. This blunts one of the most fundamental spiritual disciplines. As I pray, my focus is to meditate mindfully on the meaning of every word and phrase. My understanding will grow. My capability to realize the difference between shallow prayers by rote and memory and powerful and meaningful effectual prayer.

Prayer is not merely a suggestion for me to seek after God and His will. True, there is much more room for improvement in my own life, yet it may only come from me attending to and praying with deep meditation and meaning. There is significant purpose in bringing my petition to the Lord. Prayer helps guide me into improving my attitude and perception. When it is done without obligation.

~ Today's Prayer and Meditation ~

Heavenly Father, I come before you with humility and gratitude. Enlighten my soul with your grace and truth. Allow me to take a moment to meditate on my thoughts as I direct them toward you. Guide me into developing a richer and more meaningful prayer life. In Christ's name, Amen.