Page 46 - Gurmat Book 7

Chapter 17: History of Prayer

The act of prayer is attested in written sources as early as 5000 years ago.

Some anthropologists believe that the earliest intelligent modern humans

practiced something that we would recognize today as prayer.

The great spiritual traditions offer a wide variety of devotional acts. There are
morning and evening prayers, graces said over meals, and reverent physical

gestures. Sikhs cover their heads, fold their hands and bow their heads slightly
to pray. Christians bow their heads and fold their hands. Native Americans dance.

Some Sufis whirl. Hindus often chant mantras. Orthodox Jews sway their bodies

back and forth. Quakers keep silent. No matter how one prays, the underlying
beliefs are common:

• The belief that the finite can actually communicate with the infinite;

• The belief that the infinite is interested in communicating with the finite;
• The belief that the prayer is listened to, and may, or may not get a

response;

• The belief that prayer is intended to inculcate certain attitudes in the one
who prays, rather than to influence the recipient;

• The belief that prayer is intended to affect the very fabric of reality
itself;

Prayers are done for many reasons. Prayer can be a direct petition to God to
grant one's request or petition. A person directly confronts God in prayer, and

asks for their needs to be fulfilled. God listens to the prayer, and may or may not

choose to answer in the way one asks of Him. This is the simplest form of prayer.

Prayer can be done for gratitude for the divine's blessings in one's life. This type
of prayer expresses thanksgiving for God's gifts and it shows appreciation to

God.

Prayer of worship involves praise directed towards a divine being. This type of

prayer is a highly devotional and seeks to glorify the divine being without asking
for any rewards. Sometimes this form of prayer will concentrate on repetition of

Stepping Stones PSL Gurmat Sikhia Book 7G 2023 Edition Page 44