bell - a verbalization of consciousness

What is the nature of Prayer?

Without question a most difficult concept for me. Oddly, there is an underwhelming sensation of shame when I pray…. with others particularly; so much so that for many years I thought not to pray all together. The impulse, the aversion is so subtle, and my reaction so non-chalant, that I realize now how unavailable I have been to its import. When I explore this shame that I feel, I know there is inherently a reverence simultaneously for prayer; I can admit that prayer is a sacred gesture. For so long I was unsure of my understanding of God (still am to a degree) but consequently arose my uncertainty of prayer. When I think of the nature of prayer, I see how it is the unification of one’s actions with one’s aim. It is a returning to oneself. The result: a wish inward, outward or upward.