Another word for "Praying"?

[muileag]

I have often wondered over the years how I should handle prayer requests and general statements regarding my "prayers" because I'm not sure I can adequately/honestly convey what it is I'm doing when I pray for you or another person. I do not pray to a specific god who may or may not grant whatever it is I'm petitioning for. (I sometimes feel like people feel if a prayer/wish is not granted it's because the beneficiary didn't have enough people praying for them or the people who did prayer weren't sincere enough. I've seen this sentiment expressed before. It makes me sad.)

A few days ago I felt prompted to write about my musings on this forum (but as usual I just played some games in the lounge). What I mean by "pray" is far different than a traditional definition of the word. As is usually the case, I finally had time this afternoon to sit down at my laptop for longer than a few minutes (I should be grading papers, but I'm procrastinating) and I opened up the most recent edition of OMTimes online magazine http://omtimes.com/omtimes-magazine-...ter-2013-09-c/

Lo and behold, there is an interview with Terry Patten (didn't know who he was before reading it) and he provides a definition of prayer which aligns more or less with my own. So, I thought it would be a good time to ask you all on here how you feel about the word "prayer."

Is there a different word out there that conveys the meaning "I am visualizing you surrounded by loving energy, along with visualizing specific intentions that you're in need of"?

I suppose it really doesn't matter, but a lot of times...on here, on social media sites...I feel like my intention is ringing hollow when I type, "Sending out prayers for strength and peace." I want to be able to convey that I've taken the time to visualize this person and connect on some level energetically.

I guess I just feel like the word "prayer" has become so generic that it doesn't feel sincere. Anyone else feel this way?

I know exactly what you mean Muilleag. I feel uncomfortable calling what I do "prayers." I can't think of a better word to use though. "Thoughts," "connections," "Mental hugs," None of them works, so prayers will have to do I suppose.

[muileag]

Originally Posted by Ecthalion

I know exactly what you mean Muilleag. I feel uncomfortable calling what I do "prayers." I can't think of a better word to use though. "Thoughts," "connections," "Mental hugs," None of them works, so prayers will have to do I suppose.

Yep...

A few dozen people looked at the thread and you're the only one who replied, Ecthalion, so I'm thinking we're all in concurrence.

[Moonglow]

Originally Posted by muileag

I have often wondered over the years how I should handle prayer requests and general statements regarding my "prayers" because I'm not sure I can adequately/honestly convey what it is I'm doing when I pray for you or another person. I do not pray to a specific god who may or may not grant whatever it is I'm petitioning for. (I sometimes feel like people feel if a prayer/wish is not granted it's because the beneficiary didn't have enough people praying for them or the people who did prayer weren't sincere enough. I've seen this sentiment expressed before. It makes me sad.)

A few days ago I felt prompted to write about my musings on this forum (but as usual I just played some games in the lounge). What I mean by "pray" is far different than a traditional definition of the word. As is usually the case, I finally had time this afternoon to sit down at my laptop for longer than a few minutes (I should be grading papers, but I'm procrastinating) and I opened up the most recent edition of OMTimes online magazine http://omtimes.com/omtimes-magazine-newsletter-2013-09-c/

Lo and behold, there is an interview with Terry Patten (didn't know who he was before reading it) and he provides a definition of prayer which aligns more or less with my own. So, I thought it would be a good time to ask you all on here how you feel about the word "prayer."

Is there a different word out there that conveys the meaning "I am visualizing you surrounded by loving energy, along with visualizing specific intentions that you're in need of"?

I suppose it really doesn't matter, but a lot of times...on here, on social media sites...I feel like my intention is ringing hollow when I type, "Sending out prayers for strength and peace." I want to be able to convey that I've taken the time to visualize this person and connect on some level energetically.

I guess I just feel like the word "prayer" has become so generic that it doesn't feel sincere. Anyone else feel this way?

Hi muileag,

It seems to me it is not so much what it is called, but the intent in which it is offered or given.

Sometimes just see it as talking to my spirit or the presence around me.

To communicate this to others suppose would have to use a word for what I am doing that he/she may understand.

If I say I'm talking to God or Spirit, feel, may get me one of those looks like I may have slipped a little.

[Adrienne]

Originally Posted by muileag

Yep...

A few dozen people looked at the thread and you're the only one who replied, Ecthalion, so I'm thinking we're all in concurrence.

taking a tally ,lol ! I was one of those who looked in, just wasn't sure exactly what to say.
In the asking for prayers section of the forum, I usually say something like " my thoughts and prayers are with you ", so creative ... I know, lol !

When I hear the word ' prayers ' by itself, I think of the formal prayers we had to memorize as a youngster at Church.

I still pray, if you call it that, but with my own words.

[Adrienne]

Moonglow, I know what you mean about " getting one of those looks " ..... happened just recently to me when I was visiting a friend. She is rather religious and open minded, so I thought she would probably be okay with the idea of communicating with angels.... however, she gave me " one of those looks " lol ! ...... so I didn't go any further with that conversation.

[muileag]

I also say, "I'm keeping you in my prayers." What got me thinking about this is when I responded to a facebook post with those words and a former neighbor -- I haven't seen this lady for about 20 years but we used to be quite close -- replied, "I thought you weren't a Christian anymore." (I haven't attended a church or belonged to any organized religion for about that long.)

[Adrienne]

that was an odd response, no thank you for your prayers ?

you could have replied, " no I am a witch, would you rather I cast a spell for you ? "
just kidding, in a small town, might not be a good idea....( no offense meant to those who are Wiccan, etc )

there must be some other way of saying it, I just don't know what it is either ......

[Fairyana]

Sometimes I say that I'm sending them positive thoughts or healing energy. I think sending healing energy sounds more accurate then praying, because it suggests that I'm visualizing the energy, creating it, and sending it directly to the person I want. Whereas sending prayers seems to me like I am praying for a higher entity to heal them.

[muileag]

Originally Posted by Dream Angel

that was an odd response, no thank you for your prayers ?

you could have replied, " no I am a witch, would you rather I cast a spell for you ? "
just kidding, in a small town, might not be a good idea....( no offense meant to those who are Wiccan, etc )

there must be some other way of saying it, I just don't know what it is either ......

LOL!!!

Sometimes I say that I'm sending them positive thoughts or healing energy. I think sending healing energy sounds more accurate then praying, because it suggests that I'm visualizing the energy, creating it, and sending it directly to the person I want. Whereas sending prayers seems to me like I am praying for a higher entity to heal them.

I often write something similar to this to people I know are more open minded. I guess I should stop censoring myself, even with people who I know are "traditionally religious."