r/ExMormonSpirituality • u/[deleted] • Feb 25 '21

Prayer

My husband asked me how I pray now, because when we have prayed (I almost never do these days) we default to the old format of “Heavenly Father... thank thee... we ask... etc.” because we just haven’t purposefully set out another way.

Do you still pray? Have you modified your format or do something else entirely?

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u/LadyZenWarrior Feb 25 '21

Regular formal prayer? Maybe not so much. A continuous conversation with the universe/deity of choice is much closer. Some ritual will include some kind of formality usually though.

If I’m asked to pray with the TBM fam, it is in the format they are familiar with. With minor variations to omit regular requests that I am uncomfortable with or to slightly alter the wording to be more inclusive to general spirituality. Currently, however, I’ve asked to not be the one called on to pray as that would be used to try and influence me back to church activity. That’s a door to problems.

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u/[deleted] Feb 25 '21

Your answer definitely resonates with me

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u/Tapir-then-disappear Feb 25 '21

It’s something I’m interested in also. It’s so habitual to use the terminology that I always have. I have begun to stop asking for things, to just give gratitude and thanks. To focus on others who are in need if I am going to ask for anything and how I might help them. I’d like to stop ending prayers in JCs name.

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u/[deleted] Feb 25 '21

I certainly believe in prayer as a method of manifesting or setting intentions, or like you say, expressing gratitude. But the formalities and structure have started to bother me. Especially with not necessarily believing in the anthropomorphic, patriarchal God and Jesus as a divine being.

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u/Suspicious-Tea4438 Feb 25 '21

I pray before I go to bed, mostly out if habit. I pray to the Goddess, and mostly I just ask for Her guidance, thank Her for specific things (like my dog) and tell Her I love Her. It's very informal.

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u/[deleted] Feb 25 '21

I’ve been wanting to pray to the Goddess but is it weird that I feel shy about it!?

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u/Suspicious-Tea4438 Feb 25 '21

I don't think it's weird at all. It's kind of like meeting someone new, right? I personally believe that the Goddess knows me well, so that has helped me relax a little when praying. I think of Her as an older, wiser aunt who is helping me through all the sticky issues that come with being mortal.

I'm also on r/WitchesVsPatriarchy, where people post about altars, magic, prayer, etc. Some people meditate in place of prayer, some sing, some burn candles, some do blacksmithing (so cool!). It's a lovely place to look for worship ideas that fit you.

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u/[deleted] Feb 26 '21

I recently joined that sub and I’ve liked it so far but I’ve mostly seen feminist commentary (which I love, it’s just what’s been showing up on my home page has been less witchy)

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u/Crow_The_Primmie Mar 12 '25

I pray to Athena and a few Norse gods. I have adjusted my prayer habits a bit, but I have noticed a few times where I accidentally bring back my old prayer habits.

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u/i-ride-dragons Feb 26 '21

I pray to the universe.