Rethinking Prayer: A Secular Perspective
Rethinking Prayer: A Secular Perspective
Does prayer as a spiritual practice require a tangible belief in the existence of a “god” or higher being? A secular perspective.
Spiritual practices, regardless of religious affiliation, offer individuals a means to connect with something greater than themselves (Kabat-Zinn, 1994).
From a theistic viewpoint, prayer, which is commonly associated with religious traditions, is one of the spiritual practices used through which individuals can connect to something greater than themselves. Although due to its theistic nature, prayer usually requires the belief in a higher power like a “god”, “deity”, or “divine entity.” But I believe that “prayer” as a spiritual practice does not necessarily require a tangible belief in the existence of a “god” or higher being.
I know individuals who do not believe in the existence of a god or higher being yet engage in prayer as a spiritual practice. However, their understanding of prayer differs from the traditional theistic viewpoint of petitioning or communicating with a god.
From a secular spiritual perspective, it could be argued that prayer does not require a belief in a higher power. Instead, prayer could be seen as a personal and introspective practice that transcends religious boundaries.
In this context, prayer does not necessitate a belief in a higher power and goes beyond the notion of prayer as requiring external validation or the fulfilment of specific requests. Instead, it can be seen as an internal process that fosters self-reflection and emotional well-being.
Although there are times when ordinary words fail to capture the depth of our feelings, here, rather than fighting to fill the emptiness with words, spiritual practice encourages the acceptance of silence as a means to connect with oneself on a deeper level.
One exemplary practice that embodies the essence of wordless communication in prayer is the practice of “centring prayer.” Although originating from Christian contemplative tradition, centring prayer can be appreciated from a secular standpoint as it emphasizes the abandonment of attachment to specific outcomes or cravings towards particular emotional experiences (Keating, 2008).
In a way, “centring prayer” invites us to relinquish the illusions of personal power and control, thus allowing individuals to explore their inner selves in a quiet and serene environment (Keating, 2008). In one of his works, Father Thomas Keating (2012) commented,
“Don’t judge centring prayer on the basis of how many thoughts come or how much peace you enjoy. The only way to judge this prayer is by its long-range fruits: whether in daily life you enjoy greater peace, humility, and charity. Having come to deep interior silence, you begin to relate to others beyond the superficial aspects of social status, race, nationality, religion, and personal characteristics.” (OM, 114)
Instead, the focus lies in being present in the moment and cultivating inner stillness so that, to a degree, individuals can detach themselves from the constant pursuit of tangible results so as to foster an internal emergent sense of peace that is not conditioned or controlled by external outcomes.
Taking this into consideration towards a secular understanding of prayer can even lead to a more profound understanding of prayer from a theistic perspective, as the effectiveness of prayer is not contingent upon receiving what one asks for. Indeed, evaluating prayer based on tangible outcomes limits its potential as a spiritual practice.
Instead, as Father Thomas Keating points out above, prayer can be seen as a tool for self-awareness and personal growth, with no need for external hedonistic measurement. But as Father Thomas Keating says above that the way to measure prayer,
“Is by its long-range fruits: whether in daily life you enjoy greater peace, humility, and charity. Having come to deep interior silence, you begin to relate to others beyond the superficial aspects of social status, race, nationality, religion, and personal characteristics.” (OM, 114)
This goes beyond any kind of material gain or external measurement but depends more on an internal disposition of how one approaches life.
Embracing this perspective on prayer allows for a broader understanding of this spiritual practice. By recognizing prayer as an introspective process rather than a means of making requests to a higher power, individuals from all walks of life and religious perspectives can engage in prayer-like practices to connect with themselves on a deeper level so as to foster an emergent sense of inner peace.
Furthermore, I myself would say that those moments in prayer where I could recount that I encountered “God” were not when prayer was externally directed but rather when it was internally directed as a practice of sitting in stillness, going deep in myself. There is where I encounter most profoundly the presence of “GOD”. As the apostle Paul said to the Corinthians,
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16, NKJV).
Beyond this, it has to be argued that by transcending dogmatic religious boundaries, offering prayer as a secular spiritual practice opens the door to a more inclusive and meaningful approach to prayer and spiritual growth. Although I myself would also argue that it is important to note that when it comes to “Prayer”, the traditional contemplative context should not be dismissed entirely.
Bibliography
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are. New York, NY: Hyperion.
Keating, T. (2008). Open mind, open heart: The contemplative dimension of the Gospel (20th anniversary ed.). London: Continuum.
Keating, T. (2012). The daily reader for contemplative living: Excerpts from the works of Father Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O [epub]. London: Bloomsbury.
Link to all English translations of 1 Corinthians 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/1%20Corinthians%203:16