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Frequently Asked Questions

by Angela Montano

angelamontano

What is a prayer/spiritual counselor?

A prayer/spiritual counselor offers compassionate listening and prayer as modalities for healing. Although often not associated with any given religion, spiritual counselors are gifted at guiding people towards compassion, self love, and forgiveness.

What does prayer do?

Many of us feel isolated by the burden of responsibilities, while others feel rudderless, without purpose, wondering if they matter to anyone. Prayer pierces the sense of isolation and loneliness so many experience. Through prayer, we can gain access to our courage, our wisdom, our clarity, our peace, our willingness to love and forgive. Gandhi said that prayer from the heart can achieve what nothing else in the world can.

Is there a right and wrong way to pray?

While there may not be a right or wrong way to pray, there may be a way that is especially right, fitting, and unique for each of us. It is important to find prayers and ways of praying that speak to your heart. Over time and with different stages and phases of our lives and spiritual development, our prayer practice may go through many different evolutions. If this is the case for you, trust this.

Do I have to believe in God for prayer to work? If I am an atheist, can prayer still work?

You do not have to believe in God to pray, and yes, you can be an atheist and experience wonderful benefits through prayer.

What will prayer do for me?

There are so many benefits to praying: mentally, emotionally, and physically. Research points to prayer as a way to reduce stress. More deeply, prayer offers you a bridge to connect to the Infinite love of the Universe. Out of the connection, it is possible to transform your perceptions, leading you to a whole new world of possibilities.

How do I get started praying today?

You can pray right now simply by sitting in silence and focusing your attention on your breath. Put your hand on your heart and think of someone or something you love or some aspect of your life that you feel needs improvement, and focus deeply on one loving thought. Let that thought be your prayer.