Like Breakfast

Grandpa Page prayed the same prayer at every meal. During my childhood visits each summer, I would sometimes help Grandma make breakfast and set the table. The radio sat on the table with the chicken knickknacks and the salt and pepper shakers. She would remind him to turn off the radio and then he would begin: “Dear Heavenly Father.” Sometimes he said the words so fast! Still, I knew he thought it was important. Then the radio went back on, always KDRO for the farm report and country music. In between there was talk about chores and what needed picking. I am grateful for this memory and the place of prayer in my family’s life.  

Evelyn and Claude Page, 40th Anniversary 1981

More than half of Americans say they pray every day. Why pray? There were times in my life I did not use it. It seemed like wishing on a birthday candle. Poof. Grownups prayed – like a habit. Rarely did I hear cries of crisis. As I have lived into the practice, sometimes in challenging times, prayer became a valuable and reassuring routine.

I think prayer helps open me to an absolute realm. I no longer believe in the concept of God as a being – fewer people do. God, for me is the natural process of the universe. The divine is the “ground of all being” and that which underlies all. The actions described by science like energy, light and evolution are part of a great force. Like God, sometimes when we make prayer an intellectual exercise. It is not. 

I am still not sure what happens when I pray. I do know that it changes me, even as my mechanics morph into new courses. I used to need everything quiet – door closed and my room calm.  Now I can pray with dogs howling and truck engines growling!

I create a spiritual space as I sit and relax. I close my eyes, breathe deeply, and begin to let go of my anxieties. Turning off my to-do list is still the hardest part.

Looking for some help getting started?

Maybe a dose of inspiration for your day?

A collection of short videos where Eric leads prayer/meditation are available here.

Is that really turmoil, boredom, or grief? I begin to put into words my real emotions about a situation. I name my feelings. They are not an enemy to overcome. They are not weaknesses. I acknowledge these flashes of light. Each one is a clue.

What do I need? What do I want?

Is it strength, wonder, or love?

My desire is not a mistake, but a spiritual longing. I pray in preparation for major decisions and even simple aspirations. Each time, I try to focus my thoughts on a spiritual quality.

There is a space beyond my understanding, an absolute realm, where those higher aspects reside. I attempt to connect. I release the process and always give thanks for my experience plus any new awareness. I know that quite likely I am part of answer to my prayers. I trust I can set aside my ego and be guided to next steps. 

I made prayer a morning habit many years ago – like breakfast. Why do I pray? It works for me. It is not like a birthday wish, but a whole occasion that shifts my focus. It is an activity of my whole being. Its creative thinking. What if you prayed and it worked?  What if you lived out your blessing now?

~ Eric Page

September 13, 2020

Honokaa, Hawai’i