Meditative prayer is profoundly powerful with the potential to move both mountains and molehills. Great acts or small are empowered with prayer.

There are many ways to pray and all models have something to recommend them. It’s also really very easy; there is nothing mysterious or secret about it

Some hand their hearts desire to something or someone outside of themselves. These children of the various Gods pronounce their wish to the powers that be then resign themselves to the outcome.

This works well since the relationship with their God takes the egoistic urgency out of their endeavour. Prayer seems to require a still mind where fears are silenced to truly take effect.

Some use mantra or a rhythmic repetition of a prayerful intent. This model of prayer uses sound to dull the chatter of doubt inside the mind, whilst the repetition overwhelms negativity, building their belief.

Mantra seems similar to Affirmations. With affirmation there need be no greater power than the Self. It works with the repetition of positive statements such that it firms up the case for a yes over no within the eternal internal mind. Prayer observes a repetition of the positive to good effect.

Another mode of meditative prayer known as creative visualisation adds an imaginative light to prayerful sound. With this form one finds an image of success, painting a picture of the reality that is sought within your mind.

This tends to be a pleasant experience that releases the emotional distress that would otherwise hold your attention. With more of the mind now free to think, the inclination towards empowering action is advanced.

Meditative prayer can be performed alone at any time to good effect. It is also even better when engaged within a group. One group that can accept you and your personal goals for growth is the Space of Light and Sound.

This group is both free and easy going. It meets every Sunday at the Manly Community Centre, 12 Wentworth St Manly between 6PM and 8PM. You can call me for more information if you’re interested, alternately just turn up.

Martin Hunter Jones is an honorary life member of the Australian Counselling Association. He has a practice on the Northern Beaches. Phone 9973 4997.