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A Thought or Two About Prayer
North Miami Beach, FL August 3, 2001 Aaron H.
Schectman
THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on issues, ideas and reflections on the times. Published now and
then, Opinions pro or con are welcome.
A THOUGHT OR TWO ABOUT PRAYER
A man committed to prayer talked about it tonight. He said that one should
pray and that we sort have gotten out of the practice. I thought about this
a lot this evening. I have had thoughts about prayer on many occasions and
have wondered why I do not, and cannot pray.
I attend congregational events like Sabbath services and other ceremonial
occasions such as the High Holy Days and Festivals where I participate in
the singing of hymns and recitation of prayers. Those that are in Hebrew or
Aramaic are easy for me to recite for I know them by heart and I reinforce
my accuracy by reading them. I know what most of them are focused on for
that is a main effort of our Rabbis - to get us to understand what we are
all doing together.
It is the singular missing component of prayer that makes me feel that I
haven't got it right. When I intend to pray I do not pray TO a real thing -
for the concept of God is not something I really understand. I am one of
those who must see the reality beyond the descriptive words. I am told that
I must not ask for things. I must not be selfish. So, on Sabbath events I
ask that there be intercession for those I love and who are not well and are
in need of healing. That is easy for me to do and say. But, to whom am I
addressing these words and thoughts? How can prayer help loved ones be
healed or made whole and well again? Is there really a supernatural,
omnipresent and omnipotent being that answers prayers?
This is my problem. I know that others believe in the power of prayer and
pray for good things and not for selfish things. This is quite apart from
the kind of prayer a child will say to prevent failure on a test or for help
in winning a contest of strength or skill. Is there a connection between
cause and effect here? Does a supernatural power intervene in the affairs
of people in this world? What is the best way to pray - on your knees,
prostrate on the ground or standing? Will facing in a particular direction
be best?
Do you think prayers make the world a better place in which to live and
will it make people be kind to each other? Carol's Evaluation:10 out of 10.
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