As a self-directed learner, one of the most profound lessons I’ve discovered about prayer began with a simple, unexpected encounter. Outside a church, I saw a sign that said: “Try Praying.” At first, I thought it was a cheeky, almost humorous invitation. But the sign didn’t leave my mind. Instead, it sparked curiosity—what exactly was prayer? And more importantly, was I even doing it correctly?
Too often, I realized, we approach prayer timidly, murmuring requests with hesitation or desperation, thinking that simply asking is enough. But true prayer, I’ve learned through my own exploration and practice, requires boldness—it demands that we speak loudly, not only with our words but with the full energy of our hearts and minds aligned.
For a prayer to be heard, it cannot be passive. It must be a clear, confident declaration of intent, a statement of what we truly desire. This doesn’t mean shouting in the literal sense; rather, it’s about embodying the intention fully, feeling it, believing it, and aligning our inner energy with it. When our prayers come from a place of timidity or doubt, they often lose their power. When they come from a place of conviction and clarity, the universe listens.
As a self-directed learner, I’ve also realized that prayer is not solely about asking for personal gain. Including others—wishing well for friends, family, or even strangers—amplifies the energy behind our words. When we broaden the scope of our prayers beyond ourselves, it feels as if the intention carries more weight, more force, more connection to something greater.
Ultimately, the key is not in repetition or ritual—it’s in intention. Speak your prayer loudly, in your own voice, with full heart and mind engaged. Trust that the energy behind your words carries farther than you imagine. Prayer is not passive; it is a declaration of alignment with your highest desires, a conversation with the universe that demands presence, clarity, and boldness.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a self-directed learner, it’s this: whispering is not enough. Speak boldly, feel deeply, and let your prayer be heard.
