There are a number of different kinds of prayer but, at the root of all of them is the fact that prayer is our way of being in relationship with God. In prayer we rest in the arms of God, opening ourselves up to God’s love, becoming God’s love.
Living the way Jesus lives – and taught us to live – “means a transforming of our whole self, our feelings and thoughts and imaginings. To be converted to the faith does not mean simply acquiring a new set of beliefs, but becoming a new person in communion with God and others through Jesus Christ” (from Holy Living by Rowan Williams). Prayer helps us in this transformation.
What and How: This link will bring you to the Church of England’s short guide to prayer and answers to some common questions. Still have questions? The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer has some answers in their guide: 19 Questions People Ask About Prayer. They also have a beginning to pray guide. You can check out other resources for yourself here.
So, are meditation and contemplation just for Christian monks and Buddhists and such? Nope…normal, everyday people – like us 🙂 – pray that way too. What is meditation and contemplation and the difference between them? Here is a Roman Catholic priest who does a good job explaining.
Here is a website that explains meditation with a step-by-step on how to go about meditating. You may like to begin with the guided meditations that I wrote and put on this website: https://stjosephandstgeorge.com/reaching-out-2/prayer/
Lectio Divina is an ancient type of prayer that combines meditation and contemplation.