Topics — Prayer

Home > Spirituality and Faith > Prayer

From time immemorial, people have turned to a higher power in prayer. In some traditions, praying is an outward engagement with the divine. In others, this practice is a contemplative journey that seeks the divine within. While claims about the power of prayer vary by tradition, millions of people engage in some sort of prayer practice every day.

Although the form and object of prayer may differ among religious and spiritual traditions, its central purpose is communication and union with the divine.

When people engage in this devotional practice, they seek to step beyond themselves and connect to something greater. This communicative behavior can be influenced by individual motives that are inherently human.1

References

  1. Ladd, K. L., & Spilka, B. (2012). The psychology of prayer: A scientific approach. Guilford Publications.

All Articles on Prayer

  • Flowers in a Vase, Philip van Kouwenbergh, c. 1700, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington (article on Serenity Prayer)
    Prayer

    The Serenity Prayer

    “The Serenity Prayer... is a succinct and meaningful way of talking about acceptance and willingness when addressing difficult life circumstances.”

  • Unknown Artist, St. Francis of Assisi in Prayer, 17th century, The Art Institute of Chicago (article on prayer)
    Spirituality and Faith

    Prayer: Types, Practices, and Benefits

    From time immemorial, people have turned to a higher power in prayer. In some traditions, praying is an outward engagement with the divine. In others, this practice is a contemplative journey that seeks the divine within.

Related Quotes

Related Books & Audios

<!–
ADVERTISEMENT

amzn_assoc_ad_type = “banner”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_placement = “assoc_banner_placement_default”;
amzn_assoc_campaigns = “kindle”;
amzn_assoc_banner_type = “category”;
amzn_assoc_p = “48”;
amzn_assoc_isresponsive = “false”;
amzn_assoc_banner_id = “15PZ9H066V9HVCNMCV82”;
amzn_assoc_width = “728”;
amzn_assoc_height = “90”;
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “thc0ee-20”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “96a7fd58a54df6ee30dc6ecc6c5577d4”;

–>

ADVERTISEMENT
<!–

amzn_assoc_ad_type = “banner”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_placement = “assoc_banner_placement_default”;
amzn_assoc_campaigns = “audibleplus”;
amzn_assoc_banner_type = “category”;
amzn_assoc_p = “12”;
amzn_assoc_isresponsive = “false”;
amzn_assoc_banner_id = “0MG2XKQ7PYPP84NBNFR2”;
amzn_assoc_width = “300”;
amzn_assoc_height = “250”;
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “thc0ee-20”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “885f278db9faa033e287a00c92a6df21”;

–>

Subscribe to our mailing list.