Faith practices: What’s the difference between meditation and prayer?

As Christians, we understand the value of prayer. It plays a central role as one of our core faith practices, providing solace, peace, and above all, a sense of connection. Prayer is a spiritual practice that people of all cultures, throughout human history, have engaged in. But it's not the only practice like it. Another form of quiet reflection that makes people feel more at peace with themselves and the world around them is meditation.

Developed by Buddhist monks as a form of physical and mental discipline, meditation trains a person to separate their thoughts and actions from what is happening in the present moment. Instead of feeling angry about a bee sting, for instance, a skilled meditator would be aware of the futility of anger at a bee and sit reflectively with the experience rather than feeling the need to control or judge it.

While prayer seeks connection, help, and forgiveness from God, or a divine being, the goal of meditation is self-awareness and greater self discipline. But this difference in emphasis may not be very important in the long run.

Faith practices commonalities: They make you feel better

Researchers have found that both meditation and prayer use portions of the brain that are connected to self-reflection and self-soothing. They help the body's limbic system calm down after a stressful event, potentially offering protection against some of the many disease processes that are related to inflammation, including arthritis, some autoimmune disorders, and certain forms of cancer.

Prayer and meditation also trigger the release of "feel-good" hormones such as oxytocin, which has been shown to increase social trust and attachment.

A simple form of meditation

The simplest possible meditation technique you can practice is simply to pay attention to your breath. Sit in a position you find comfortable. Some experts are encouraging people to meditate at their office desks, since this is where they spend the most time.

Set a timer for five minutes. During this period of time, you should try to stay in the same position. You can close your eyes if you want. Breath in and out naturally, focusing on the feeling of air entering and leaving the rims of your nostrils. When thoughts interrupt - and they will – return your mind to the rim of your nostrils.

Meditation should not put you in a trance-like state, nor should you attempt to control, or pace, your breathing. The goal is to simply focus on your breath. The rest will come later, with months and years of practice.