Aids to Prayer
As you get into the habit of catching a moment for quietness or reflection, you may find that the
minute has expanded and you would like a more focused time that helps you connect with God.
You may find it helpful to use a book of prayers to get you started. For example, The Rhythm of Life
by David Adam has prayers and readings for each day of the week and different times of day. There are many other books available.
You may find it helps you to focus if you light a candle, hold a
pebble or other object in your hand, or look at an icon or other picture. A photograph in the newspaper may help to focus your compassion on some area of the world affected by drought, famine, warfare, poverty or injustice.
Repeating a simple prayer many times over can be a way of focusing your mind on prayer and putting aside your day-to-day concerns for a while. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the classic prayer used in this way is the "Jesus Prayer."
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Some Orthodox may say this prayer hundreds of times a day, sometimes using a knotted "prayer cord" to keep count. The rosary beads of the Roman Catholic Church are used in a similar way.
Back to How to Pray On to Types of Prayer
