Spiritual Speculation Space

Prayer

December 7, 2023

Discussion Questions

These questions are just to help get the discussion going. They do not need to be discussed in order and conversation outside of the bounds of these questions is welcome.

How do you think of prayer? There are many different ways people orient themselves toward prayer practices including, but not limited to:
- A religious duty.
- An expression of gratitude.
- A centering practice.
- A way of expressing concern and care for others.
- An appeasement of the demands of a deity.
- A treatment for anxiety.
- A way of expressing love for God.
- A cultural expression.
- A mystical practice.
- A conversation with God.
Do people need to agree on what they believe in order to pray together?
How do you feel when someone tells you they are praying for you?
Have you seen tangible outcomes to prayer?
Is there a difference between thought and prayer?
Is there a difference between praying alone and with others?
How does prayer connect with what we know of human psychology?
What is the difference between praying for others or for concerning situations and being quiet and meditative?
Can you be a spiritual and/or religious person without prayer?
There are many cultural and religious practices that are used in prayer (candles, icons, journals, liturgical prayers, sacred spaces, mantras, scripture reading, music, yoga poses, etc). Have any cultural or religious practices been meaningful to you?

Discussion Background Materials

British Medical Journal study of prayer and meditation.

Matthew 6 (NIV):

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10 your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]

but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.