Prayer and Meditation:

As an ordained minister in The Celtic Church I am often asked; how often should we pray or meditate? Also what is the difference between prayer and meditation?

I, along with a number of my friends attempt not just to recite litanys or prayers, but rather make our lives into a Living Prayer. This is just a little harder than reciting prayers a certain amount of times each day. When I occassionally do take a formal service I often recite the prayer of contrition, or asking for forgiveness: this states "forgive us our sins, whether they be in thoughts, words, or deeds, in what we have done and in what we have failed to do!"  It is one of the precepts I like about Celtic Sprituality, we are responsible for our own actions, we don't blame others and we especially do not blame The Creator for what we perceive to be misfortune.

I would ask you to try,  just for one day, to turn your life into a living prayer. This does not mean that we should go around being sombre and serious, but rather to live harmoniously and with joy, wherever possible spreading that to all beings we encounter - this includes the animal kingdom, since this too has Divinity within it.

Prayer can take the form of a smile to the stranger in the street, holding open a door for someone, or by checking your neighbour is ok and if they need anything at the shops. Try to think of it as a pebble dropping into a still pool, the ripples go out from the centre and touches the very edge of the pool, this is a good example of Living Prayer - so tomorrow, if you get the chance ask someone how they are? with a genuine smile from the heart and an open mind to hear what they say! 

As I said earlier I attempt to use my life as a living prayer, however, I continue to recite the Blessings, Prayers and Litanys when appropriate to me - these are a minimum of  three times each day, Blessings recited at every available opportunity (leaving home, coming home, washing hands, lighting a candle, cooking a meal, etc.), you can make up your own mind how often this should be for you!

The Difference Between Prayer and Meditation!

For me prayer is action and recitation, It is my opportunity to communicate with The Creator or Divinity. Meditation on the other hand, for me at least, means it is time to shut up and listen!  This is when The Creator or Divinity communicates back to me.

There are a number of differing styles of meditation, sitting in silence, visualisation, guided meditations, and of course active meditations such as walking, gardening, or just watching a candle burn - focussing on the flame.

The main thing is that you listen, not just with your ears, but with your heart.Prayer in motion: Many people believe you have to sit cross legged on the floor chanting 'OM' for meditation, but as I mentioned above you can achieve meditation whilst in motion, walking and gardening. I have also managed to achieve good meditative states whilst performing Iaido - which is using the Japanese Sword or Katana - when focussed on an activity time often slips away, before you know it - three or four hours have passed, following which your head is buzzing with ideas or ispiration, that is when I get my Books out and put pen to paper - it really is amazing the revelations that can come from this practice.

I hope this makes sense to you and is of some benefit, if you have any questions relating to this topic I will be happy to try and answer them for you; just contact me through The Healing Spirit contact e-mail.

Blessings of Peace and Harmony: Greig

(For those interested the practice of prayer and meditation this is taught at The Coleford Spiritual Development Circle and at The Healing Spirit facilities in Berry Hill Coleford - if you know of someone in need of prayer please let us know and we will he happy to oblige)

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