There is much to talk about with regard to prayer. Paper 91 - The Evolution of Prayer contains many interesting things to ponder. To get the ball rolling, I'd like to know others thoughts on this passage:
Quote:
91:7.13 (1001.4) But prayer has no real association with these exceptional religious experiences. When prayer becomes overmuch aesthetic, when it consists almost exclusively in beautiful and blissful contemplation of paradisiacal divinity, it loses much of its socializing influence and tends toward mysticism and the isolation of its devotees. There is a certain danger associated with overmuch private praying which is corrected and prevented by group praying, community devotions.
As someone who does not participate in a religious congregation, I rarely have opportunities to pray with a group. Sometimes, at organized meals, someone will say a prayer; or at a community event. In a way, I would enjoy opportunities to engage in 'community devotions' but rarely find opportunities that feel authentic or sincere.
I wouldn't say I engage in private praying 'overmuch'. I try to set aside time once each day; and then spontaneously throughout the day I might think a brief prayer of thanks or something like that. Anyway, just curious what others' experience is with prayer and thoughts on anything you've read in paper 91.