Pray for Yourself

“Pray for Yourself”

by

L.T. Force, Ph.D.

Gerontologist

I started to think about this recently - the discussion of “Prayer”.

Definition of Prayer:

prayer, an act of communication by humans with the sacred or holy—God, the gods, the transcendent realm, or supernatural powers. Found in all religions in all times, prayer may be a corporate or personal act utilizing various forms and techniques. (Britannica)

I have been introduced to “Prayer” across my entire life - both by words and actions. I am Irish and raised in the Catholic Faith. From early on, I was surrounded by religious symbols (the Crucifix, the daily reciting of the Rosary by my Mother), early religious rituals (Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation), religious training (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), religion courses in college….etc.), the presence of members and teachers of religious communities (Diocesan Priests, Dominican Nuns, Irish Christian Brothers and Lay Teachers). Yes, as I think about it, I was surrounded by the living symbols and rituals of “Prayer”. (*And please remember, I can only comment on the rituals and practices associated with my own passage and journey. Depending on your culture, family system, religious affiliation, system of faith practices and individual experiences - your landscape will be individualized and will look different).

I have carried the influence of these living symbols and rituals across my life. “I am a Believer” and as I share with my students in my “Psychology of Death and Dying course” (that I intentionally teach backwards, i.e., starting at the afterlife (with the work of Brian Weiss, MD), and then class field trips to the cemetery, funeral home, hospice, nursing home and nursery wards) that I hold to the belief that:  “there is a beginning….a middle….and a new beginning”. I also share with them my belief:. “people live uniquely….people die uniquely…. and people grieve uniquely”. As I said, “I am a Believer” - guided by what I have seen….guided by what I have witnessed.

One way this belief system presents itself today - is when someone shares with me a death or sickness in their family or a difficult issue they are wrestling with - my response is: “Please know, you and your family are surrounded by my strong prayers and good thoughts”. Why, do I say that? Because, “I am a Believer…. in the power of prayers”. But then it came to me: “Yes, I pray for others and their families - but do I intentionally pray for myself?” And the answer is: “not really….not as much as I pray for the petitions of others”. My decision is to set a time…a day of the week - dedicated (just like I plan for other things, meetings, projects, exercise…etc.) in my life - to where I am going to pray for myself….therefore, my advice and words to me (and you):  “Pray for Yourself”. Why? Because, “I am a Believer”….and we are worth it.