The Secular Contemplation of Prayer and Reading
Using The Concept of Prayer to Better Understand Attention when Reading
Prayer consists of attention. When one prays to God they direct their focus, if even for a moment, toward God. The praying individual must recall the correct protocols and correct words, even the correct timing. Attention then during prayer is directed toward God via the focus on correct prayer.
Consider the praying individual’s ability to stop what they are doing so they may pray. Prayer usually requires the body, the mind, and the soul. The body must be placed following the formula or protocol of the prayer. Take the basic clasping of hands, bowing the head, closing the eyes or the Muslim, who drops to their knees and orients their body toward Mecca.
The mind must be cleared, and focused, with the desire for communion with God, such as Christians who make space in their mind to experience the Holy Spirit. The Christian makes space in their mind for God. The…
