The Way We Pray: Celebrating Spirit from Around the World
The word prayer often conjures images of bowed head and folded hands, but this important ritual of being in the presence of the divine has a much wider variety of expression. Labyrinth walking, speaking affirmations, writing in a journal, dressing in ceremonial costume, drawing mandalas, and writing haiku are just a few modern techniques for connecting with a higher power. The Way We Pray explores 50 prayer practices and provides historic details, interpretations, and stories pertaining to each one. By studying prayer practices from around the world, author Maggie Oman Shannon discovered that prayer is more than a conversation with God, it is a “communion with the divine.” In The Way We Pray, readers will indeed find compelling new ways to pray. Oman Shannon’s brief chapters (4 to 6 pages) cover over 50 traditions from around the globe, including fasting, haiku, tea ceremonies, prayer flags, sweat lodges, and tantric sex. Each chapter is an eloquent essay in which Oman Shannon describes the prayer and its historical origins. In Mexico, prayer can take the form of milagros, which often look like small silver charms. “When a prayer or request was made to a saint, so was a vow–to carry out a particular action in return,” she explains. “To seal the spiritual deal, a token is provided, offered to the petitioned saint.” All the chapters close with a list of “Suggestions for Exploration,” helping readers understand how each prayer can be respectfully incorporated into a spiritual practice. In the chapter on milagros, Oman Shannon suggests, “When you receive a blessing, try honoring it with a material image of thanks. For instance, you might buy a living plant to place in your prayer space.” –Gail Hudson
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