Most
world religions have some type of prayer practice. Buddhist chant devotionals, Islam
has the second pillar of praying five times a day, etc. As Dr.Tom Shepherd
pointed out, there are indications that as far back as several thousands of
years in early civilizations that humans have taken in part in some kind of
religion or worship (e.g., Göbekli Tepe). Humankind seeks answers. When
we as humans look at the world and events that we don’t understand, we automatically
look for meaning. We try to think, we try to rationalize and comprehend what is
happening to us. Primitive forms of
prayer involved invoking deities who were thought to be happy or unhappy, in
hopes of appeasing them in some way so that we could go about living
harmoniously and in balance with the earth, the crops, the weather, the tribe,
etc. So, prayer could be viewed as a way of interacting (whether by communing
or reflecting) with that which is beyond our natural comprehension, be it to a
deity or a mountain or a spirit.
The
primitive forms of prayer were oftentimes directed to a god outside or separate
from humans. Over the centuries, prayer practices evolved as humankind evolved.
While some of the practices were carried forward and refined based on new
understanding, some practices fell by the wayside (like animal sacrifice in
worship ceremonies). Nevertheless, there still persists this thing called
prayer, and now we wrestle with “how” we do it.
So
to address the original question above regarding praying to God within or
outside of ourselves, one would have to establish a definition of prayer and an
understanding of God, both of which can vary. There are all kinds of
definitions for prayer, just as there are all kinds of perceptions of God.
A simple dictionary
meaning for prayer (dictionary.com) would be: 1. a devout petition to God or an
object of
worship, 2. a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in
supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession. However, for many, the
first definition conjures up images of an anthropomorphic God outside of us,
which many in Christian and New Thought circles have transcended, and viewed as
somewhat primitive. This could be why some folks have a problem with the concept
of praying to a God outside us. Perhaps, this makes them feel separate and
apart from God. And the point of prayer for them is communion, establishing
connection with God. It is possible in this modern society, that people desire more
closeness, even oneness with God, not more separateness.
The second definition “a
spiritual communion” sounds more like what Charles Fillmore, co-founder of
Unity, states in the Metaphysical Bible Dictionary (534-535). It defines prayer
as “communion between God and man.” He goes on to say that we “turn our
attention within to the very center of our being, where the Father dwells.” (Father,
meaning God) Further down, it reads, “Here is the recognition of the all-inclusiveness
and completeness of Divine Mind (God). Everything has its sustenance from this one
source…” By focusing on God within, this definition points to a sense of
completeness, regardless of what the prayer concern is. Many folks practicing
this type of affirmative prayer may favor it because of the union or oneness
they sense and perhaps because this is what has proven to be effective and
fulfilling in their lives. Whether it’s meditation, contemplative prayers,
intercessory or whatever kind of prayer a person prefers, there is probably a
reason the person prefers it. Perhaps he or she experiences the assurance,
connectedness, or peace he or she desires and finds. Why else would they spend
time doing it?
Jesus
taught extensively on prayer in the Gospels and many have interpreted those
teachings in different ways. It is a
question of interpretation as far as what anyone will take from these teachings
and how they will apply them. In Matt 6:6, Jesus says “But whenever you pray,
go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret;
and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Some people take this to
mean going within your heart and shutting out the world or external mind
chatter; but then right in the same sentence it says “pray to,” which some
people take to mean you’re praying to a God outside yourself. Is Jesus saying to go to God within?
This
question is almost like saying how do you prefer to get clean, by taking a shower
or taking a bath? If God is indeed infinite, omnipresence, omniscience, then whether
you direct the prayer within, up, or out, there would be contact. Right? How
could you miss if God is there whenever and wherever you pray? Since God can be
considered Transcendent and Immanent, it would seem to leave us with our
options open to access God either way. Effective prayer that gives the sense of
union and is infused with faith, sincerity and receptivity of the heart,
earnestness, could be experienced either way. You get to choose.
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