YOGA TO ENHANCE YOUR PRAYER LIFE

YOGA TO ENHANCE YOUR PRAYER LIFE As parishioners or congregation members of any denomination of religion; we have all heard the term meditation. It is never truly explained to us as is the methodology of prayer. There are no clear guidelines; rightfully so, since there are no two individuals alike. In this article, I choose to discuss the preparation of prayer through a dedicated yoga practice. As a minister myself, who has preached hundreds of sermons on prayer. I never taught exactly how to prepare for prayer. Too often we spend most of our time in drive by prayer or 911 dial up prayers when a situation arises. What if, we began to prepare ourselves for prayer daily. Today, we are too often in busy mode. We text our messages in emoji’s and shorthand text. Why? Because we are too busy. This is indicative of how our spiritual, mental and physical life expresses itself even in our prayer life.

About Yoga Yoga is an ancient art that truly means to “Yoke.” It is to connect oneself to the divine; to unify. Isn’t that what we are seeking as we skate around life quickly.

When was the last time to you found yourself truly connected? This is yoga. To redefined it simply; it is to create a direct line from within you to the divine.

Preparing the Body The body must first be conquered before the mind. The body has a way of creating chaos in our process of thinking. If we can quiet the body, the mind will follow. This series of Sun Salutation (daytime) and Moon Salutation (Evening) does just that. It brings the body into unity. Following the sequence of the 12

asanas or poses helps you to begin the process of moving into an active and effective prayer life.

Preparing the Mind Once you have brought the body into unity, we can move into savasana. A time of focusing on the breath. Begin to bring your body into calmness. Allow, your body to heal from the friction as you begin to move the mind through focused breathing into meditation.

The breath also known as “Prana� or Life Force allows the mind to open to the presence of the supreme being.

Here is where you can follow up your intention you have set forth for your prayer life. Find yourself a focal with point, it can be a song, music bowls, or simply your breath.

Entering the Presence Once you have begun your meditation practice this is where you will enter prayer. This is an intimate moment between yourself and the divine.

Yoga is an excellent tool to bring to your prayer life. It activates the healing process in the body, mind and spirit. The practice alleviates stress in all three aspects of the human.

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

Written by Dr. Lila Robinson

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