I pray every day. Sometimes, I know it is formulaic- the traditional Jewish daily prayers, addressed to God, but so much about a ritual rather than a meaning, despite all we know from Jewish tradition about kavvanah -- the intentional devotion you need for proper prayer.
But, quite often, I also pray alongside the regular prayers--not for anything--we Jews are not so good at petitionary prayer, other than for the health of people who are sick--but about things.
Much of my prayer is gratitude and wonderment--gratitude for a fantastic sunset, a beautiful day, an amazing flower, a moving piece of music, or whatever. The Jewish tradition is to say a
blessing, thanking God for the good things around us- I had not ever expected to be so traditional, but I find I am increasingly doing so, noticing the small things and giving thanks for them. It does, I think, make me more aware of what is around me--I hope it makes me more sensitive to people around me too.
And when I pray it may not be formal. It may be when I am on my own or in a congregation. It is often at my desk, in bed, on the underground, in the bus. It is just those few minutes of
contemplative gratitude to the divine for what is good--and sometimes asking for healing for a friend who is sick. No more than that, but so very, very valuable.
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