Prayers—where do they come from, and where do they go?

 

Many of us pray for help when we are deeply troubled.  We pray when we are afraid. We pray for others to be safe, and to be healed. Prayer is an everyday event in so many of our lives.

 

But, what exactly is prayer, and who does it go to? There are so many religions in the world, and so many gods and goddesses, great spirits, and other higher beings people pray to. What happens to prayers if one does not believe in any of these organized and established religions and deities? Does being a non-believer make the prayers mute and useless?

 

Prayer need not follow traditional rituals. True prayer comes from deep inside your heart and soul.  It is a healing thought, or wish, you send out into the universe to reach and help those in need, and sometimes to help yourself. It is an honest desire to stop the suffering of those you care about and love, whether a family member, a friend, a stranger, or even the earth itself. It is your way of saying, I wish you love, healing. happiness, strength, and all it takes to weather you through your storms and trials. It is your silent message of love and caring.  It is strong, it is powerful, and it comes from your true essence of love and compassion.