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In a 2020 article, The Science of Prayer, the Wall Street Journal spoke to several people about their prayer habits, including a woman from New York, a producer named Jillian, who explains how a new prayer daily prayer routine makes her feel:
In a 2020 article, The Science of Prayer, the Wall Street Journal spoke to several people about their prayer habits, including a woman from New York, a producer named Jillian, who explains how a new prayer daily prayer routine makes her feel:
““There’s so much uncertainty right now and so little in my power. When I bust out a quick prayer, especially out loud, I feel a shift inside myself from tension and distrust to a more trusting, hopeful feeling.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, people all around the world are looking for a higher power during trying times, stating in March that “the number of Google searches for prayer skyrocketed, according to a not-yet-published analysis of search results for 95 countries by an economist at the University of Copenhagen.” The Journal also reports that a Pew Research study shows “more than half of Americans had prayed to end the spread of the Coronavirus.”
Prayer can be a relief, but one can imagine for a person who has never prayed before, it might be stressful. How do you pray? What do you say to God if you’ve never talked to him before? Or what if maybe…it’s just been a while.
Even people who are familiar with prayer can overthink their words, or feel like their prayers are selfish, or any number of things that sort of get in the way with bringing the whole self to God.
How do we express ourselves to God? It can be overwhelming. Even if we were taught, hopefully rightfully so, that He loves us and knows us, are we not human still? Do we not still worry about what words and attitudes we bring to Him – and if they are genuine or if the world has gotten in the way of our minds?
As famed poet T.S. Eliot once wrote:
As famed poet T.S. Eliot once wrote:
“It is impossible to say just what I mean!
“It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
Would it have been worth while
Would it have been worth while
If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,
If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,
And turning toward the window, should say:
And turning toward the window, should say:
‘That is not it at all,
‘That is not it at all,
That is not what I meant, at all.’”
That is not what I meant, at all.’”
It can be hard to express oneself, but there is benefit to going to God with that exact issue in mind. A helpful way to start can be something as simple as this: “Lord, I don’t know how to pray perfectly, I don’t know if the words will come out right, but here is what’s been on my mind today.”
Here are a few more helpful prayers to bring you more peace, and experience more joy, as a direct result of being honest with, and therefore moving closer to God this holiday season and the whole New Year.
Prayer for the Holidays and New Year:
“Dear Lord, please help me remember that what I really need is to take care of myself and those around me, and that the stress of life we often feel is manufactured. Please help me and my entire family remember that the Christmas presents this year don’t need to be perfect, the meals don’t have to be extravagant, I just have to do my best and what really matters is the love and the effort we put forth, and making the story of Jesus the heart and the backdrop to all of our celebrations. Amen.”
Prayer for Personal Growth:
“Jesus, please help me and my family with everything in our lives. I sometimes think I know exactly what I need to do, or what I need to change in my life, to be the best version of myself. But something gets in the way and I doubt myself. Please show me the next right move, and help me and my family become everything You would dream for each one of us to become. Amen.”
Prayer for Others:
“Lord, please help me look to the Holy Family when I am losing faith in humanity. Joseph and Mary brought Jesus into this world, Our Savior, with pure faith and love under circumstances that were not easy – they didn’t have a guidebook or a manual, just Your great love and direction. Please help me and my family treat people with kindness, be measured when we are angry, and come to You instead of lashing out. Lord, please help every person and every family who is struggling right now, that You may be in their lives more, enter their homes and hearts, and to those who don’t consider You, that they may begin to wonder what it would be like to know You. Amen.”
~ Robyn Kenney, PR & Communications Specialist, Holy Cross Family Ministries
Sources:
Bernstein, “The Science of Prayer,” Wall Street Journal (May 17, 2020):
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-science-of-prayer-11589720400
Eliot, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” The Poetry Foundation, Source: Collected Poems 1909-1962 (1963):
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/44212/the-love-song-of-j-alfred-prufrock
Blessings for a beautiful holiday season and a New Year full of growth and surprises from God for you and your family.
Blessings for a beautiful holiday season and a New Year full of growth and surprises from God for you and your family.
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