Prayer in Mirianism

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Christian prayer varies from situation to situation. Prayer maybe in the form of worship or an act of need, be it good health, spiritual guidance from the Holy Spirit, confession, or an act of reparation. Mirian prayer (Shlotha), in particular, is mostly an act of devotion and growth through "Christ-realization". A prayer can never be a real prayer if it is not completely understood by the one who is praying it. It is dangerous to ask for something in prayer if one does not know what he/she is really asking for, or if it is worth praying for. The saying "prayer feeds the soul" is true in a sense that it brings us closer and to realization of God.

Contents 1 Prayer in the Early Church 1.1 Private Prayer 1.2 Public Prayer 2 Liturgical 2.1 Seasonal prayers 2.2 Prayer to saints 2.3 Prayer for the dead 2.4 Ktābā Shlotha 3 Vocal 4 Meditative 5 Physical Posture 6 References

[edit] Prayer in the Early Church

[edit] Private Prayer

Many people within the early church were mostly of Jewish background and history, so a large portion of the private prayers of its members were in Hebrew and resembled the common Jewish service.^[1] Praying three times a day became the common practice of a church member at the time, but it was not yet a practice encouraged among a group of people.^[2] Yeshwa encouraged his followers to pray in the privacy of their own homes, and not try to impress others with their piety.

[edit] Public Prayer

Public prayer could be commonly found among early church gatherings. The Lord's Prayer was said as the starting prayer of worship services in the church gatherings.^[3]

[edit] Liturgical

Liturgical prayer (also called "Devotion" or Segiiduthā) is often used to cultivate peacefulness, love, faith, charity, friendship, forgiveness, and warmth. Use of prayer beads (Gediil) and head coverings (Mashnaftha) is equally important to devotional prayer in that the items symbolize concentration and humility (humbleness).

[edit] Seasonal prayers

[edit] Prayer to saints

In Mirianism, prayer to saints can be in the form of veneration or a request of intercession. Saints (Tsadek) are regarded as examples to be followed and are believed to be able to help mortals on earth if they are asked for (Luke 16:19-31, James 5:16).

[edit] Prayer for the dead

The tradition of Prayer for the Dead is derived from the book of 2 Maccabees by way of the ancient Churches, including the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

[edit] Ktābā Shlotha

The Ktābā Shlotha is the Mirian prayer book used for meditation on scriptural readings from canonical or apocryphal texts.

[edit] Vocal

Vocal prayer, in Mirianism, is prayer made with the lips, may be loudly (within Liturgical recitation) or silently (within contemplative prayer). Practices of vocal prayer include:

• Renouncing distraction, often by closing the eyes
• Presenting oneself by bowing the head, placing hands together or lifting them upward, or making the sign of the cross
• Making a request and/or give praise for grace, enlightenment, assistance or just praising and thanking God
• Invoking the name, glory, or life of Jesus and/or the Holy Trinity
• Closing, often with "Amiin"

[edit] Meditative

Meditative prayer (Hēghāyā) is used to focus on the teachings recited in the Gospel and of the saints. Meditation is also used to come into mystical communion with God, and to be at peace with one's self. Mother Teresa said "We all need time for silence, to reflect and to pray."^[4]

[edit] Physical Posture

Certain physical gestures often accompany Mirian prayer, including the sign of the cross. Kneeling, bowing and prostrations are often practiced in more traditional branches of Christianity. At other times the older orans posture may be used, with palms up and elbows in.^[5]

[edit] References

1. ↑ Prayer in Christianity
2. ↑ Ibid.
3. ↑ Ibid.
4. ↑ Teresa, Mother. Meditations From A Simple Path. New York: The Random House Pulishing Group, 1996.
5. ↑ Prayer in Christianity