What is 'Prayer?'

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Prayer is a heartfelt communication with God, including various forms such as supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, and confession. It can be practiced individually or collectively, and may involve silent reflection or physical expressions like bowing, standing, or prostration.

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Why is 'Prayer' important?

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Prayer provides and opportunity for a personal relationship with our Creator, the Source of Life, allowing us to recognise and benefit from our connection with the Divine. It is a means to engage with the Most Beautiful Names of God. The importance of prayer transcends mere ritual; it enriches individual lives and strengthens community ties. By nurturing a connection to the divine, offering comfort, promoting self-reflection, and encouraging communal bonds, prayer serves as a vital component of the human experience, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

 

How can 'Praying' help us?

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Through prayer, we can focus, reflect, and meditate on God's attributes, our blessings, and our actions. It serves as a platform for praising and glorifying our Creator, seeking forgiveness, and expressing gratitude for our lives and the lives of others. In times of difficulty, prayer offers guidance, wisdom, and support. Mindful prayer helps us understand ourselves and what we hold dear.

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Many individuals turn to prayer only in times of distress, neglecting to remember God during peaceful moments. Conversely, some express gratitude during ease but struggle with anger and pride in hardship. Others may perform prayer rituals without genuine mindfulness, distracted by past or future worries. While some prefer private prayer, others engage in group settings without integrating prayer into their personal lives. Physical rituals can sometimes distract from the true essence of prayer and hinder heartfelt connection with God.

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Often, it is through suffering that we feel a deeper connection to our Source, enabling us to pray with sincerity. Maintaining gratitude during challenging times can help keep our hearts humble, even in periods of ease. Praying for others in their times of need allows us to contribute positively, as it connects us to the Creator, who can provide assistance. According to scripture, when we pray for others, God's angels pray for us in return.

 

Prayer is a significant practice that offers numerous advantages to those who engage in it regularly. Here are the key benefits:

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1. Connection and Purpose

Prayer enables a deep connection with a higher power or the universe, providing comfort and reassurance during difficult times. This connection helps individuals find belonging and purpose, leading to greater clarity and direction in life.

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2. Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Prayer acts as a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety. It encourages reflection and gratitude, allowing individuals to express their hopes and fears, leading to emotional healing and enhanced resilience against life's challenges.

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3. Physical Health

Regular prayer has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and overall well-being. It promotes relaxation and mindfulness, helping individuals make healthier lifestyle choices.

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4. Strengthening Relationships

Prayer can enhance interpersonal relationships and community bonds. Praying for others or participating in communal prayer fosters unity, empathy, and compassion, encouraging supportive acts of kindness.

 

5. Inspiration and Motivation

Through prayer, individuals often gain clarity on their goals and aspirations, motivating personal growth. Setting intentions during prayer helps maintain focus on values and priorities.

 

6. Routine and Structure

Establishing a dedicated time for prayer cultivates mindfulness and self-reflection, leading to greater self-awareness and personal development.

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So, the benefits of prayer are extensive, impacting spiritual, emotional, physical, and social dimensions, ultimately transforming lives and creating supportive communities.

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How does 'Praying' impact our Health and Well-Being?

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Prayer has a huge positive impact on our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Here are the key impacts:

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Physical Well-Being

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Engaging in prayer can lead to measurable health improvements, including:

• Lower blood pressure

• Reduced stress levels

• Enhanced immune function

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The calming effects of prayer promote relaxation and contribute to overall physical health.

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Emotional Well-Being

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Prayer provides a sanctuary for emotional expression, offering:

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• Solace and comfort during difficult times

• A safe space for expressing gratitude, hope, and sorrow

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This emotional release fosters clarity and strength, improving emotional stability.

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Mental Well-Being

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Prayer enhances mental well-being by:

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• Encouraging mindfulness and focus

• Combating negative thought patterns

• Promoting mental clarity through its repetitive nature

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It serves as a form of meditation, reducing cognitive overload.

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Spiritual Well-Being

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On a spiritual level, prayer helps individuals:

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• Connect with their beliefs and values

• Explore existential questions

• Experience a sense of belonging and community

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This connection leads to increased peace and fulfilment, enriching life experiences.​

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How can our 'Prayer' help others?

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Many individuals possess a natural inclination to pray for others, particularly when we genuinely desire for others what we wish for ourselves. This empathetic approach stems from the fundamental principle of treating others as we ourselves would want to be treated, a concept deeply rooted in many cultures and belief systems. When we take the time to pray for others, especially during their moments of struggle or hardship, we can provide them with a profound source of strength and faith. Knowing that someone is holding them in their thoughts and prayers can be immensely comforting, as it instills a sense of being loved, appreciated, and valued in a world that can often feel isolating and overwhelming. This feeling of being supported can encourage individuals to persevere in their lives, creating an environment where they continue to live with kindness and compassion towards others.

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Praying for one another includes not only requests for healing and comfort but also extends to seeking forgiveness, guidance, wisdom, and strength. This collective act of prayer can serve to unite our hearts, forging deeper connections and strengthening our relationships with one another. It allows us to share in each other’s burdens and joys, creating a community that thrives on mutual support and understanding. However, it is essential to approach the act of prayer with mindfulness, ensuring that we do not use our prayers as a means to exert control over others. It is not uncommon to observe this behaviour within certain religious groups, where the act of praying can sometimes be intertwined with expectations or judgments.

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The power of secret prayer—praying for others without their knowledge—can often be more potent and pure than openly declaring our intentions. There is a unique beauty in quietly holding someone in our thoughts, allowing our prayers to be a personal and intimate connection with the divine. It is crucial to remember that while the prayers of others can be uplifting, we should not solely rely on them for our spiritual well-being. This dependence can create barriers, hindering our ability to establish a direct and personal connection with our creator. Instead, we should focus on nurturing our own prayer life, recognising that it is equally important to cultivate our relationship with the divine independently.

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As we encourage one another to pray for others, it is beneficial to do so discreetly, as this cultivates an environment where our intentions remain pure and selfless. When we pray without the expectation of recognition or gratitude, we allow the beauty of the act to shine through, untainted by the need for acknowledgment. In this way, praying for others becomes a true act of sacrifice—giving without any expectation of return, save for the blessings that come from God. This selfless approach not only deepens our spiritual practice but also enhances our collective experience, as we become conduits of love and support for one another, united in Spirit and purpose.

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How can our 'Prayer' cause us Harm?

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Although prayer is commonly regarded as a source of solace and direction in various cultures and religions, it can also result in detrimental effects in certain situations. The primary concerns include:

 

• Idol worship: Individuals pray to false deities, idols or intermediaries other than their Creator for guidance and assistance.

• Negative intentions: Prayers are aimed at negative outcomes rather than positive intentions.

• Strict expectations: There is an expectation for prayers to be answered in a specific manner, rather than trusting in a higher understanding.

• When Public prayer is used for self-promotion rather than sincere spiritual expression.

• When Prayer is used to manipulate: such as promising to pray for someone in exchange for compliance.

• Lack of Mindfulness during prayer: Prayers become routine and burdensome instead of beneficial practices.

• Hypocrisy: Individuals appear religious while failing to act kindly, leading to hypocrisy that tarnishes the image of faith and the Creator.

• Complacency: Over-reliance on prayer may lead to neglecting necessary actions to resolve issues, fostering a false sense of security.

• Feelings of Guilt or Shame: Unanswered prayers can lead to crises of faith and feelings of inadequacy, exacerbating mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

• Division Among Groups: Conflicting views on prayer can create social isolation and discord, harming community bonds and personal relationships.

• Substitution for Medical Treatment: Some may opt for prayer over vital medical care, jeopardizing their health and leading to preventable tragedies.

• Weaponisation of Beliefs: Prayer can be misused to justify harmful actions, particularly in extremist ideologies that advocate violence or discrimination.

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In summary, while prayer can be a powerful tool, it is crucial to recognise its potential harms and adopt a balanced approach that includes practical actions and supports mental well-being.

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What does 'Abrahamic Scripture' teach about 'Prayer?

 

Jewish scripture emphasises the significance of prayer as a vital means of communication between humans and God. In the Jewish tradition, prayer is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of faith, gratitude, and supplication. The Shema, a foundational declaration of faith found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, encapsulates the essence of devotion and the importance of remembering God's commandments. The Amidah, also known as the Standing Prayer, is central to Jewish liturgy and is recited three times daily, reflecting a structured approach to prayer that includes praise, requests, and thanksgiving. The Psalms, a book of poetry and prayers, further illustrates the diverse forms of prayer in Jewish life, ranging from lamentation to joyous praise. They serve as a source of inspiration for many, embodying the struggles and triumphs of the Jewish people throughout history. Jewish teachings emphasise the communal aspect of prayer, as seen in the importance of the minyan, a quorum of ten adults required for certain prayers, highlighting the belief that collective worship enhances spiritual connection and fulfilment.

 

In addition to formal prayers, Jewish scripture encourages personal, heartfelt communication with God, where individuals can express their innermost thoughts and feelings. The concept of 'tefillah,' which translates to 'prayer,' is rooted in the idea of self-reflection and the pursuit of a deeper relationship with the Divine. Overall, Jewish scripture presents prayer as a multifaceted practice that encompasses both structured rituals and spontaneous expressions of faith, underscoring its central role in Jewish spirituality and community life.

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In the teachings of Christ, prayer is portrayed as an essential component of a believer's life, serving as a direct line of communication with God. Jesus emphasises the importance of sincerity and humility in prayer, contrasting it with the ostentatious displays of piety often exhibited by the Pharisees and religious leaders of His time. In the Sermon on the Mount, specifically in Matthew 6:5-15, Christ instructs His followers to pray in private rather than seeking public recognition, highlighting the personal nature of prayer and its role in building a genuine relationship with God.

 

One of the most significant contributions of Christ to the understanding of prayer is the Lord's Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. This prayer serves as a model for believers, encompassing key elements such as adoration, confession, supplication, and intercession. The Lord's Prayer encapsulates the essence of Christian prayer by acknowledging God's holiness, expressing dependence on Him for daily needs, and seeking forgiveness while encouraging believers to forgive others. Jesus often exemplified a life of prayer, frequently retreating to solitary places to pray, as seen in passages like Luke 5:16. His practice underscores the importance of regular, intentional prayer in the life of a believer.

 

Christ teaches that prayer should be accompanied by faith and persistence, as illustrated in parables such as the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8, which encourages believers to remain steadfast in their prayers, trusting that God hears and responds to their needs.

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Overall, the teachings of Christ about prayer emphasise its significance as a means of developing a deeper relationship with God, characterised by authenticity, humility, and unwavering faith.

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The Quran places immense importance on prayer, or 'Salah,' which is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a fundamental practice for Muslims. The Quran instructs believers to establish regular prayers as a means of maintaining a close relationship with God. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:238), it is stated, "Guard strictly your prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before God in devotion." This verse highlights the necessity of being diligent and attentive in performing prayers, emphasising their role in fostering spiritual discipline and mindfulness. The Quran outlines specific times for prayer, with five daily prayers being obligatory for all adult Muslims. These prayers serve as a constant reminder of faith throughout the day, punctuating daily life with moments of reflection and devotion. Each prayer consists of a sequence of physical movements and recitations, which not only express submission to God but also foster a sense of unity among the global Muslim community.

 

In addition to the obligatory prayers, the Quran encourages personal supplication, or 'Dua,' allowing believers to communicate their hopes, fears, and desires directly to God. This personal aspect of prayer emphasises the intimate relationship that Muslims can cultivate with their Creator. Surah Ghafir (40:60) states, "And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you,'" reinforcing the belief that God is always accessible to those who seek Him.

 

The Quran also teaches that prayer is not solely an individual act but also a communal one, as seen in the practice of congregational prayers, especially during Fridays and significant religious occasions. This communal aspect fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity among believers, reinforcing the importance of community in Islamic worship.

 

Overall, the teachings of the Quran about prayer highlight its essential role in a Muslim's life, serving as a means of worship, discipline, and connection to the Divine.

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How should we pray?​

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Establishing a personal relationship with God can be enhanced through thoughtful and intentional prayer. Here are key steps to consider:

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1. Prepare for Prayer: Engage in ablution (according to teachings of scripture) to purify yourself and prepare.

2. Create a Suitable Environment: Find a quiet space where you can pray mindfully without distractions.

3. Set Your Intention: Clearly express your intention to pray before starting.

4. Practice Self-Discipline: Establish a regular prayer routine to enhance remembrance of God.

5. Maintain Continuous Remembrance: Keep God in your thoughts throughout the day, whether standing, sitting, or lying down.

6. Approach with Humility: Acknowledge your position before God with a humble heart.

7. Be Mindful: Focus your thoughts and feelings during prayer, avoiding distractions.

8. Express Gratitude: Thank God for His blessings and guidance.

9. Seek Refuge: Ask for protection from evil and temptations.

10. Embody Worship: Use physical postures like standing, bowing, and prostrating to symbolise your devotion.

11. Speak Sincerely: Deliver your prayers with heartfelt sincerity, maintaining a balanced volume—not too loud, yet not completely silent.

12. Repent and confess to God: This means making the intention to turn away from evil ( not to repeat same mistakes) and do more good. 

13. Pray for Others: Include prayers for the well-being of others, not just yourself. Pray for the forgiveness of others and forgive others in your heart. Let go of any resentment- This will also help you feel more worthy of forgiveness yourself and increase your faith and strength. 

14. Submit to His Will: Accept that God’s responses to prayers may differ from your expectations.

15. Seek Guidance by reciting Scripture: Request wisdom knowledge and understanding in your prayers.

16. Reflect on Divine Attributes: Contemplate the beautiful qualities of God during your prayer.

17. Offer Charity: Consider giving to those in need before praying, as it can elevate your prayers and serve as atonement for sins.

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Some Scripture verses about 'Prayer'

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Exodus 20:24 - "An altar of earth you shall make for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you."

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Deuteronomy 4:7 - "For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call upon Him?"

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Deuteronomy 6:4-9: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

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Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?"

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Numbers 6:24-26 - "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."

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Genesis 20:7 - "Now therefore, restore the man's wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you shall live; but if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours."

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Deuteronomy 30:2 - "And you return to the Lord your God and obey His voice according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul."

 

Psalm 34:17 - "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles."

 

Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

 

Psalm 51: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!"...."Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

 

Psalm 100:4 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."

 

Psalm 61:2 - "From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

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Isaiah 55:6: "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near."

 

1 Samuel 1:10-11: "She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, 'O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your servant and remember me, and not forget Your servant, but will give to Your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life...'"

 

Daniel 9:4-5: "I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, 'O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from Your commandments and rules...'"

 

Proverbs 15:29 - "The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous."

 

Proverbs 3:6 - "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

 

Proverbs 28:9 - "If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable."

 

Proverbs 21:13 - "Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered."

 

Proverbs 16:3 - "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

 

Proverbs 10:24 - "What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted."

 

Proverbs 12:15 - "The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice."

 

Proverbs 17:1 - "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife."

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Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186: "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me."

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Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152): "So remember Me; I will remember you."

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Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:1-2: "Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive."

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Surah Al-Isra 17:79: "And during the night, devote yourself to prayer and recitation of the Quran, and stand in prayer during the night, except for a little."

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Surah Al-Baqarah (2:238): "Guard strictly the prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah in devotion."

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Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45): "Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of God is greater."

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Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:9): "O you who have believed, when the call to prayer is announced on the day of Jumu'ah, then proceed to the remembrance of God and leave trade."

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Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:1-2): "Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive."

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Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:6): "O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. God does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful."

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Some prayers from Scripture:

‘In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise is due to God, the Lord of the Worlds. The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You Alone we worship, and you Alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those You have blessed; not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray. Amen’ Quran chapter 1

‘...”I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak. From the evil of that which He created. And from the evil of darkness when it settles. And from the evil of the blowers in knots. And from the evil of an envier when he envies." Qur’ān 113:1-5

‘...”"I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind. The Sovereign of mankind. The God of mankind. From the evil of the retreating whisperer -Who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind -From among the jinn and mankind."’ Quran 114:1-6

‘...”He is God (who is) One. God, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent." Quran 112

 

'Our Father, who art in heaven: Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.' Mathew 6:9-13

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'In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord,[c] is in you. Deliver Israel, O God, from all their troubles!' Psalm 25

...’”Lord, give us good things both in this life as well as in the life hereafter and save us from the torment of fire".’ Quran 2:201

‘Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us help against those who reject faith.’ Quran 2:250

‘Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error.’Quran 2:286

‘Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon those before us.’ Quran 2:286

‘Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear, grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who deny the truth.’ Quran 2:286

‘Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure.’ Quran 3:8

‘Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the lack of moderation in our doings, and make firm our steps and succour us against those who deny the truth.’ Quran 3:147

‘Our Lord! Whomsoever You shall commit to the Fire, truly You have brought [him] to disgrace, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers.’ Quran 3:192

‘Our Lord! Behold we have heard a voice calling us unto faith: "Believe in your Lord" and we have believed.’ Quran 3:193

‘Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds and take our souls in the company of the righteous.’ Quran 3:193

‘Our Lord! And grant us that which you have promised to us by Your messengers and save us from shame on the Day of Judgement. Verily You never fail to fulfill Your promise.’ Quran 3:194

‘Our Lord! We have sinned against ourselves, and unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be lost!’ Quran 7:23

‘Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty of evildoing.’ Quran 7:47

‘Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people, for You are the best of all to lay open the truth.’ Quran 7:89

‘Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered themselves unto You.’ Quran 7:126

‘Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the evildoing folk, and save as by Your mercy from people who deny the truth.’ Quran 10:85-86

‘Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide [in our hearts] as well as all that we bring into the open, for nothing whatever, be it on earth or in heaven, remains hidden from God.’ Quran 14:38

‘Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Your presence and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way.’ Quran 18:

‘Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You.’ Quran 25:74

 

‘…I will give thanks to You, O Lord; for although You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song and He has become my salvation…’ Isaiah 12:1

‘Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered themselves unto You.’ Quran 7:126

‘Our Lord! You embrace all things within Your Grace and Knowledge, forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and ward off from them the punishment of Hell.’ Quran 40:7

‘Our Lord! Make them enter the Garden of Eden which You have promised to them, and to the righteous from among their fathers, their wives and their offspring, for verily You are alone the Almighty and the truly Wise.’ Quran 40:8

‘Our Lord! Relieve us of the torment, for we do really believe.’ Quran 44:12

‘Our Lord! Forgive us our sins as well as those of our brethren who proceeded us in faith and let not our hearts entertain any unworthy thoughts or feelings against [any of] those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness and Most Merciful’ Quran 59:10

‘Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys.’ Quran 60:4

 

...'My Lord, make this city secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.' Quran 14:35

‘Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things.’ Quran 66:8

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“My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in Your Deliverance. There is no One Holy like the Lord; there is no One besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by Him deeds are weighed. The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away. The Lord brings death and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and raises up. The Lord sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them He has set the world. He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king and exalt the horn of His anointed.”  Samuel 2:1-10

 

‘… “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord God, for You have spoken also of the house of Your servant concerning the distant future. And this is the custom of man, O Lord God. Again what more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord God! For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let Your servant know. For this reason You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods? For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your own people forever, and You, O Lord, have become their God. Now therefore, O Lord God, the Word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house, confirm it forever, and do as You have spoken, that Your name may be magnified forever, by saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is God over Israel’; and may the house of Your servant David be established before You. For You, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made a revelation to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house’; therefore Your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to You. Now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant. Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord God, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever.’ King Davids’s Prayer; 2 Samuel 7:18-29

 

‘…“I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”’ 2 Samuel 24:10

 

‘… “O Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart, who have kept with Your servant, my father David, that which You have promised him; indeed, You have spoken with Your mouth and have fulfilled it with Your hand as it is this day. Now therefore, O Lord, the God of Israel, keep with Your servant David my father that which You have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your sons take heed to their way to walk before Me as you have walked.’ Now therefore, O God of Israel, let Your word, I pray, be confirmed which You have spoken to Your servant, my father David. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built! “Yet have regard to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which Your servant prays before You today; that Your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, toward the place of which You have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ to listen to the prayer which Your servant shall pray toward this place. Listen to the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear in heaven Your dwelling place; hear and forgive. If a man sins against his neighbour and is made to take an oath, and he comes and takes an oath before Your altar in this house, then hear in heaven and act and judge Your servants, condemning the wicked by bringing his way on his own head and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness. When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy, because they have sinned against You, if they turn to You again and confess Your name and pray and make supplication to You in this house, then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land which You gave to their fathers. When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain, because they have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name and turn from their sin when You afflict them, then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants and of Your people Israel, indeed, teach them the good way in which they should walk. And send rain on Your land, which You have given Your people for an inheritance. If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or grasshopper, if their enemy besieges them in the land of their cities, whatever plague, whatever sickness there is, whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart, and spreading his hands toward this house; then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know, for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men, that they may fear You all the days that they live in the land which You have given to our fathers. Also concerning the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Your name’s sake (for they will hear of Your great name and Your mighty hand, and of Your outstretched arm); when he comes and prays toward this house, hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, to fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name. “When Your people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatever way You shall send them, and they pray to the Lord toward the city which You have chosen and the house which I have built for Your name, then hear in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. “When they sin against You (for there is no man who does not sin) and You are angry with them and deliver them to an enemy, so that they take them away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near; if they take thought in the land where they have been taken captive, and repent and make supplication to You in the land of those who have taken them captive, saying, ‘We have sinned and have committed iniquity, we have acted wickedly’; if they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who have taken them captive, and pray to You toward their land which You have given to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and the house which I have built for Your name; then hear their prayer and their supplication in heaven Your dwelling place, and maintain their cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all their transgressions which they have transgressed against You, and make them objects of compassion before those who have taken them captive, that they may have compassion on them (for they are Your people and Your inheritance which You have brought forth from Egypt, from the midst of the iron furnace), that Your eyes may be open to the supplication of Your servant and to the supplication of Your people Israel, to listen to them whenever they call to You. For You have separated them from all the peoples of the earth as Your inheritance, as You spoke through Moses Your servant, when You brought our fathers forth from Egypt, O Lord God.” 1 Kings 8:22-53

 

‘…“I beseech You, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. Remember the word which You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful I will scatter you among the peoples; but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been scattered were in the most remote part of the heavens, I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell.’ They are Your servants and Your people whom You redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand. O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion before this man.”’ Nehemiah 1:5–11

 

‘…For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, “They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.’ Nehemiah 6:9–14

 

‘..Naked I came from my mother’s womb; and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…’ Job 1:21-22

 

‘..What is man that You magnify him, and that You are concerned about him, that You examine him every morning and try him every moment? Will You never turn Your gaze away from me, Nor let me alone until I swallow my spittle? Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, so that I am a burden to myself? Why then do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust; And You will seek me, but I will not be.”…’ Job 7:17–21

 

‘…“Oh that You would hide me in Sheol, That You would conceal me until Your wrath returns to You, that You would set a limit for me and remember me! If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes. You will call, and I will answer You; You will long for the work of Your hands. For now You number my steps, You do not observe my sin. My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and You wrap up my iniquity. But the falling mountain crumbles away, and the rock moves from its place; Water wears away stones, Its torrents wash away the dust of the earth; So You destroy man’s hope. You forever overpower him and he departs; You change his appearance and send him away. His sons achieve honour, but he does not know it; Or they become insignificant, but he does not perceive it. But his body pains him, and he mourns only for himself.”…’ Job 14:13–22

 

… “Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth. Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; Even twice, and I will add nothing more.” Job 40:3–5

 

‘…Then Job answered the Lord and said, I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask You, and You instruct me. I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You; Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes…’ Job 42:1–6

 

‘…Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted…’  Isaiah 12:4

 

‘…O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. For You have made a city into a heap, a fortified city into a ruin; a palace of strangers is a city no more, It will never be rebuilt. Therefore a strong people will glorify You; Cities of ruthless nations will revere You. For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless is like a rain storm against a wall. Like heat in drought, You subdue the uproar of aliens; Like heat by the shadow of a cloud, the song of the ruthless is silenced…’ Isaiah 25:1-5

 

‘…“We have a strong city; He sets up walls and ramparts for security. Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, the one that remains faithful. The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. For He has brought low those who dwell on high, the unassailable city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He casts it to the dust. The foot will trample it, the feet of the afflicted, the steps of the helpless. The way of the righteous is smooth; O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level. Indeed, while following the way of Your judgments, O Lord, We have waited for You eagerly; Your name, even Your memory, is the desire of our souls. At night my soul longs for You, Indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; For when the earth experiences Your judgments. The inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. Though the wicked is shown favour, He does not learn righteousness; He deals unjustly in the land of uprightness, and does not perceive the majesty of the Lord. O Lord, Your hand is lifted up yet they do not see it. They see Your zeal for the people and are put to shame; Indeed, fire will devour Your enemies. Lord, You will establish peace for us, since You have also performed for us all our works. O Lord our God, other masters besides You have ruled us; But through You alone we confess Your name. The dead will not live, the departed spirits will not rise; Therefore You have punished and destroyed them, and You have wiped out all remembrance of them. You have increased the nation, O Lord, You have increased the nation, You are glorified; You have extended all the borders of the land. O Lord, they sought You in distress; They could only whisper a prayer, your chastening was upon them. As the pregnant woman approaches the time to give birth, she writhes and cries out in her labour pains, Thus were we before You, O Lord. We were pregnant, we writhed in labour, We gave birth, as it seems, only to wind. We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth, nor were inhabitants of the world born. Your dead will live; their corpses will rise. You who lie in the dust, awake and shout for joy, for your dew is as the dew of the dawn, And the earth will give birth to the departed spirits…’ Isaiah 26:1-20

 

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