Prayers

I rarely argue with people about the existence or non-existence of God, I feel each has to believe according to their needs and temperments.  I am not a very Religious person but I do pray.  Prayer to me isn't about rituals or begging or fearing that which pervades the entire Universe. It is a tool to understand myself or find the answers to the questions "Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose? How can I achieve it? Where can I be of use?"

I use prayers to get myself through trying situations and to give thanks for all that I have in terms of tangible and intangible things. Prayer is a way to bring myself to be aware of things as they are and use what I have to be able to deal with them and learn from the event or people around me.  Sometimes (wish I remembered to do that more often) I use prayer instead of complaining or whining or generally get through the "why me?" syndrome. 

Some prayers are my favorite.  I use them at the start of journeys, to remind me of why I pray, to help me stay on some decision I made or to help me gain control over hurt/anger/helplessness/fear at someone or some situation.  Here are some of my favorite ones:

This is a Mantra that is used traditionally as a prayer for Peace.

Sarveshaam Svastir Bhavatu Sarveshaam Shaantir Bhavatu Sarveshaam Purnam Bhavatu Sarveshaam Mangalam Bhavatu Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niramayaah Sarve Bhardrani Pashyantu Maa Kadhchit Duhkhabhahg Bhavet

May good befall all, May there be peace for all, May all be fit for perfection, and May all experience that which is auspicious. May all be happy.  May all be healthy. May all experience what is good. Let no one suffer.

This is a prayer I use when I am overwhelmed with the things I do in my life. It helps me focus and makes me acknowledge the things I am; I can be and can do.

I am a Daughter, sister, Friend, Wife and Mother.

I am here to serve.

I care about those who come into my life.

I give to others because I can give.

I have a tender heart so I can lend comfort to those in need.

I believe in a higher power.

I am connected to those around me.

I make my best effort to be there for the ones in my life.

When I  begin to feel misery when I look around at the JONESES and feel, I got the lousiest end of the stick I remind myself of the things I have with this:

 

Thanks for the feeding my hunger,

Thanks for quenching my thirst,

Thanks for a roof over my head,

Thanks for giving me a family I love,

Thanks for letting me have the people I need,

Thanks for letting me have the basics so I could think,

Thanks for the extras that I have so that I could give.

Thanks for the restlessness that pushes me to explore my limits.

Thanks for the anger that helps me seek justice.

Thanks for the awareness that I have what I need.

When I begin a journey, either going to some place physically or starting some discipline mentally I use this one.

As I start this journey,

May everything work out for the Needs.

May I remember that I can only do my best.

May I remember that the fruits are not mine to keep.

May I take the lessons from what happens,

Without losing Hope or faith in my abilities.

May I always remember to do what I do, with the awareness that it affects others.

May it always be in  accordance with peace, happiness and harmony.

Do you pray? If you do, what are your reasons?  Do you have a favorite prayer?