Prayer

Prayer is nothing but union with God.

The best form of prayer is leading a virtuous life.

That means you have to walk the talk or in other words, do what you preach to others.

There are different forms of prayers. one form of prayer is community prayers or prayers said in places of worship like churches, temples and mosques. There are many rituals and practices followed in community prayers.

Then we have family prayers, which are said in our homes with family members. Family prayers are usually said in the evening hours.

Another form of prayer is personal prayer, where we sit alone and pray to God, in our own words. A person who is doing personal prayer, for at least an hour a day, can stand up to any problems that may come across his life. The best time for saying personal prayer is early morning.

Most people pray using beads. Beads are used for prayer or devotion e.g. rosary beads for Roman Catholics, misbaha for Muslims, Japa mala/ Buddhist prayer beads/menu for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, some Sikhs etc. I would say that a divine connection is created between the person reciting the beads and the divine.

The recitation of verses from holy books of the Holy Bible, Quran, Vedas and Upanishad and other sacred texts are included as part of prayers by the faithful.

It is worth quoting a great Catholic saint, who said what is to be a prayer, " I look at Jesus and Jesus looks at me. I tell him, whatever I feel and he answers me, like a father to his son".