Guest Author - Susan Kramer

Quiet time spent requesting heavenly aid is indeed a prayer, whether begun as a written verse or mantra that is repeated with sincerity, a spontaneous monologue, or aligning during meditation time with the Inner Stillness. What comes to mind is the beautiful message from scripture that God knows the longings and requests of our heart even before we make them - therefore, reverently sitting in contemplation or reflection and patiently waiting for insight is prayer.

Prayer is a choice to think and act reverently. One's life can be prayer in action when kindness and caring prevail.

Set prayers can precede a period of meditation, bringing reverent thoughts to mind. Or, the meditation can be wholly prayerful by beginning with reverent thoughts that stream in a supersonic wave ever deeper and deeper into the core of our heart landing in the ocean of bliss.

I've found that contemplative and reflective meditation is the prayer, when from the instant I sit I feel immersed in the rarified state of reverence - no prelude of "written prayers" precedes the meditative prayer state. It is getting directly to the heart's core and asking for help, advice; the voice of wisdom to come forth.

A prayerful contemplative or reflective meditation

Sit straight on a cushion on the floor, or on a chair in a quiet spot where you will not be disturbed. If you like, have a little altar or table arranged with inspiring objects such as a lit candle, quartz stone or other natural gemstones, incense, fresh flowers.

Fold your hands in your lap or place them palms up or palms down on your thighs.

Calm the mind and body by doing some even regular breathing without breath retention. For example, breathe in for 2 counts, and breathe out for 2 counts, and breathe in for 2 counts, and continue this pattern without actually saying or thinking the numbers.

To make the rest of the meditation prayerful begin by asking your inner Source the way to be kind in mind all the time. (Being kind in attitude, thinking and acting is a method to be secure in happiness.)

Your entire prayerful - reverent - meditation should be contemplation and reflection on the qualities and methods of kindness - such as how to be kind, what the personal, family and worldwide benefits of kindness are.

Finish with a deep breath and stretch out. Take a few minutes to write out new insights in a journal. I keep a journal and pencil next to my meditation altar. I also keep paper and pencil at bedside for nighttime inspirations.

Prayers, Meditations and Affirmations
Kids and Teens
World Peace Meditation - Daily Cyber Group

Article and photo credit Susan Kramer

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.