Mindful Prayer and Speech
Long ago, I learned to listen and reflect on the words I said. At the time, my teacher was speaking about saying prayer mindfully, instead of rattling off words in an unconscious stream. This was a lesson that stayed with me through the years, not only for prayer, but also for speech, in general. When we are mindful of the words we are using, then we are more capable of saying exactly what we mean. To illustrate, let us look at the words to the Serenity Prayer written by the theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr . An acquaintance once mentioned that they loved this prayer. I asked why. They were unable to articulate what it was about the prayer that resonated with them. Many people know this prayer by heart; however, they have never reflected on the exact meaning of the words. The prayer is: God, grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. ...