Prayer for the Non-Believer.

What is a prayer?  Is it a reminder?  An incantation for the purpose of garnering some sort of mystical blessing?  Is it an act of communion with others?  Is it a beacon of pity?

Prayer is not the same for everyone.  Some pray out of ritual and habit, some pray out of pity for themselves and others, and still others pray during times of peak awareness and/or happiness.  Reason for prayer is kaleidoscopic; however, its effects can be remarkable, even if a miraculous invisible hand never wills reality like we implore it to do.  There is an effect on the psyche, an invocation of vigilence, which cannot always be found in the nonbeliever.

I am a nonbeliever.  The United States is trending toward a higher percentage of nonbelievers as time progresses.  This trend may change, but it may not.  I have constructed a short prayer for nonbelievers who still desire to leave as little caustic a footprint as possible – those who wish to exude a certain goodness without the associated doctrines.  You may recognize that there is not only a hint of Buddhism, but a construction grounded in science.

Today I arise without expectation.  I will do my best to remain awake of others’ conditions in each moment.  Before my own agenda I will consider the conditions of others.  For every nonessential or luxurious moment that I may experience, I will be humbled and thankful.  I will show good intention and speak no words which may damage others.

If I encounter a problem today, may I resolve the matter and move it from my path.  If I find the problem is an immoveable object, then may I move my mind from it.  If I cannot move the object and I cannot move my mind from it, then I shall suffer and I must understand this.  If I suffer, then may I learn humbly.

May I always be nice and humble.

May the constant exertion needed to uphold this prayer ensure a restful sleep at the end of this day.  May I resolve to repeat this prayer when I rise again!

~ by dupu on January 2, 2009.