Prayer Is... - Jenna Korff

Inspired by the musical "Come From Away" as part of the summer theme - Broadway and Beyond: A Musical Journey of the Spirit!

What Prayer Is, according to UUCL congregants:

• universal energy that can affect, shift, confirm, comfort, express gratitude
• my avenue to whatever higher power there is, and my mirror into the truest image of my own reflection
• my way of consciously expressing gratitude and for putting my hopes out into the universe
• more like sending whomever my positive thoughts
• asking a higher power for something that you need/want and a means for being grateful and accountable
• communion with a power greater than myself who I call God, hope verbalized, requests made, thanks given, awe expressed
• a type of thoughtful meditation
• sort of a meditation
• like meditation, but not! 
• a contemplative/meditative state to look inward, to connect to spirit
• not the direct pipeline to God that many religions (not only Christians) assume it is
• a way to connect with the spirit of life and higher powers, an expression of hope and gratitude that taps into the collective unconsciousness and binds us to those we pray for
• complicated
• a means of becoming aware of the present moment, a statement of gratitude for my life and the lives around me, an articulation of aspiration about how I hope to live my life, and a wish that every being on earth may live his fullest life
• setting intentions, seeking hope, and resonating with others in the wider world
• when I connect with something larger than myself; the greater interconnection between all life
• a meditation, a shared song and consciousness with others who believe in love, equality for everyone, and how lucky we are to be alive
• deeply focused attention
• focused intention
• attention turned inward and intention turned outward 
• either an act of desperation or an act of kindness, and maybe both
• a contemplative/meditative state to look inward, to connect to spirit
• hope