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The Power of Prayer

6 spiritual leaders offer advice on how you can pray

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A woman meditates in a pool.

A woman meditates in a pool. — Colin Hawkins/cultura/Corbis

RABBI STEVE BLANE

Founder and spiritual leader of Havurah Sim Shalom in New York

Prayer doesn't have to be formal.  Nor does it only happen in words. Prayer happens in moments of love, in our interactions with nature, the touch of our partners, and children and pets — wherever we can open our hearts to the divine energy that surrounds us all. Although there is no right or wrong way to pray in Judaism, here is one of my favorites. Close your eyes and recall a beautiful, loving and joyful memory. Then reflect on a Hebrew or English prayer, a poem or a song that has ever touched you. Gently speak the words while holding this memory in your mind. Then be still for a moment and be grateful for God's bounty. 

Next page: Ritual prayer. »

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