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Prayers of Contemplative Gratitude
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.
By
Julia Neuberger
|
February 11, 2007; 5:41 PM ET
| Category:
Personal Religion
,
Spirituality
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Posted by: Anonymous | February 7, 2007 12:03 PM
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Dear Rabbi Neuberger, I seem to recall confessing to you about my developing appreciation for Hitler's Final Solution some two months ago maybe....God Bless you. That is behind me, and I thank you. From what I understand, Jewish faith is not unlike that of American Natives. The Tribes of the world are expanding and separation is not always possible, nor is it desirable imho. Is there something within Jewish Faith that lends itself to Separation from others? The Apartheid example of Former President Carter. Is it not fair? If not, could you please explain to us why? Thank you. God Bless you and yours as Always, but remember that much is expected, and corrections are terrible. amen.
Posted by: Hard_NOx | February 7, 2007 7:04 AM
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Jesse, think of 'it' as the Force behind Creation. Creation is irrefutable. Do that and you will find your path to salvation...it may take some time. Perhaps you will get to a point where your basic beliefs are consistent enough to join in with others in Bible Study, etc. Okay? May the Force be with you.
Posted by: Hard_NOx | February 7, 2007 6:59 AM
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I can appreciate that prayer is a way of expressing gratitude, wonder, or despair at times. But as a non-religious person, I fail to see how God is involved. Prayer might be very beneficial, indeed I expect it helps to express humility and keep perspective. But could these feelings also be expressed without invoking a supernatural being? If someone is generally thankful for things - say on Thanksgiving - do you consider that prayer? In essence, how is prayer different from writing in a diary?
Posted by: Jesse | February 6, 2007 10:38 PM
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The comments to this entry are closed.
I used to have to pray when I was a kid.
Even then I thought it was a complete waste of time,
which,of course it was.
My parents were also into Astrology,another ridiculous pastime for devotees of the supernatural.
As an adult I was happy to be freed from such
obvious nonsense.
It might have been OK in 1407. But in 2007 we should
have learned that,as far as we know,this real world
is all we really have.
We dont need a make believe world where praying
to some superperson in the sky is thought to be in some way wonderfully humble and virtuous.
Look at our delusional president.He prays all the time;he even believes he has god's ear.
And the Iraq war gets worse all the time.