Reclaiming Prayer: Remembering the Birthright of Our Ancestors

Prayer, an age-old practice revered by various cultures and religions, has long been recognised as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and well-being. However, the impact of prayer extends beyond the realms of spirituality, also affecting our brain and overall mental health. In this blog post, we will delve into the scientific effect prayer has on the brain, uncover the power of prayer across ancient tribal cultures, and explore the significance of finding your unique prayer expression. Prepare to embark on a journey where science meets spirituality and discover the transformative potential of personalised prayer.

The Scientific Effect Prayer Has on the Brain

Scientists have been increasingly intrigued by the relationship between prayer and the brain, striving to comprehend the profound neurological effects it can have. Numerous studies have revealed that prayer activates regions of the brain associated with introspection, empathy, and emotional regulation. When engaged in heartfelt prayer, the brain releases oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins, which contribute to a sense of tranquillity, overall happiness, and stress reduction.

Furthermore, prayer has been found to enhance the prefrontal cortex’s activity, the area responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and self-control. As a result, regular prayer has the potential to improve cognitive function, increase focus, and boost overall mental clarity. These findings highlight the empowering influence that personal prayer practices can have on our brain and cognitive abilities.

Prayer and meditation, though different in approach, often yield similar neurological benefits. Studies show that deep prayer states can induce gamma wave activity in the brain, associated with heightened awareness and deep spiritual connection. This suggests that prayer is not just a passive act but an active engagement of the mind and heart, fostering coherence between thought, emotion, and intention.

The Power of Prayer Across Ancient Tribal Cultures

Now we are in a global process of remembering and awakening to what it means to be free on this earth. What it means to feel true health and wealth – and I'm not speaking just about material wealth, I'm speaking about spiritual wealth. You see, the ancient cultures that live with little yet have a smile in their hearts are the cultures who acknowledge prayer and connecting to the unseen as part of their life.

As I look around to this next generation of humanity emerging, so many of them are jaded by the word prayer and unaware of the potential of activating their unique prayer expression. I can't help but wonder – was this another agenda by organised religion to distort people's knownness of their birthright, handed to them from the foremothers and forefathers? Sincere prayer has always been an intrinsic part of human life, woven into the fabric of existence by those who came before us.

This remembrance of prayer as an intrinsic, sovereign act rather than an imposed doctrine is part of a larger awakening. As people break free from conditioned perspectives, many are beginning to rediscover prayer not as a passive or submissive ritual, but as an active, living dialogue – one that empowers rather than diminishes.

When prayer is reclaimed in its purest form, it ceases to be an obligation and instead becomes an art – one woven into the daily rhythm of life. It is the mother whispering blessings over her child, the elder offering gratitude to the fire, the musician channelling spirit through melody, the farmer bowing to the soil before planting. This is prayer as a dynamic, embodied experience, rather than a static, prescribed routine.

The very cultures that still live close to the earth, who rise and rest with the sun, are the ones who have never lost this knowing. They have no need for external validation of their prayers; they simply live them. They pray not because they are told to, but because their very existence is intertwined with spirit.

For those in modern societies, this way of being may feel distant, yet it is not lost. It is calling to be reawakened, not by returning to old dogmas but by embracing the personal, fluid, and alive nature of prayer. It is not about following a script – it is about tuning into one's essence, trusting one's connection, and allowing prayer to unfold naturally, as it always has.

When people hear the word "prayer," they often think of religion. However, ancient cultures around the world have practised prayer for far longer than organised religion has existed. These diverse traditions have used prayer as a means of connecting with the divine, the natural world, and their ancestors through various forms of expression.

Some of the oldest cultures on Earth, such as the Shipibo-Konibo of the Amazon, the Dagara of West Africa, the Lakota of North America, the Aghori Sadhus of India, and the Māori of Polynesia, have long-standing traditions of prayer deeply rooted in their way of life. Their prayers often involve a profound connection to the natural world, honouring the spirits of the land, water, fire, and wind. These traditions recognise that prayer is not just about words but can be expressed through embodied rituals, songs, and ancestral reverence, forming a bridge between the seen and unseen realms.

Across the globe, different cultures have developed unique ways of praying, incorporating themes such as:

• Song, chanting, and sacred music
• Dance and rhythmic movement
• Medicinal plant ceremonies
• Connection to the elements (earth, fire, water, air)
• Ancestral reverence and spirit communication
• Ritual purification and offerings
• Silent meditation and deep contemplation
• Storytelling and sacred oral traditions

These traditions demonstrate that prayer is a universal and deeply personal practice that takes many forms. Prayer serves as a bridge between humanity and the unseen forces of the universe.

My Personal Journey with Prayer

As I deepened into this understanding, I began to see prayer not as something separate from me but as the very fabric of my existence. Prayer was no longer something I did – it was simply ingrained into the way I lived.

This realisation was both liberating and humbling. It meant that no one could take prayer away from me. It was not confined to temples or churches, nor was it dictated by any institution. It was, and always has been, my birthright – a force older than time itself, flowing through every soul who dares to remember.

The last thing I thought I would become mastered in 15 years ago when I began my awakening journey was prayer. It wasn’t until I was integrating thousands of hours of ceremony and ritual with Indigenous culture that it really hit me – my entire restoration and healing journey was prayer. Prayers from my own ancestors before this life, prayers from my own soul, countless intentions of prayers, prayers passed down through thousands of years of lineage to arrive in the moments in which my soul received them.

You see, as my healing journey integrated, I realised the power in the ancient technology of nature – the technology that science is yet to acknowledge, the technology that tribal cultures have fought to protect and preserve. The technology that the Catholic Church and draconian systems have intended to destroy. And in my people, in my generation, they have destroyed this knowing. However, it is never lost; it is just forgotten.

Well, after years of receiving the keys and codes, I realised that without prayer, we go nowhere. Prayer is the vehicle that guides us; it connects us to our purpose and place within this universe. It solidifies our self-expression, affirming our reality and direction through life. Prayer can echo through souls and etch like hieroglyphs on the walls of your intestines. Prayers can be like seeds that grow up inside you like trees, giving ripe, abundant fruits.

Finding Your Unique Prayer Expression

Prayer is a deeply personal experience that allows individuals to connect with their innermost selves, explore their spirituality, and embrace their unique beliefs. Recognising that prayer is not a one-size-fits-all practice, it becomes crucial to find your own authentic way of prayer expression.

Embarking on a personal prayer journey entails exploring different modalities such as silent meditation, contemplation, visualisation, or even physical movements. Each person possesses their own spiritual language, and embracing this individuality is key to adopting a prayer practice that resonates on a profound level.

In many ways, prayer is like a song – unique to each voice, filled with personal rhythm, and imbued with meaning. Some may find solace in whispered words before sleep, while others may express their prayers through dance, art, or sacred music. The key is to find a practice that feels authentic, nourishing, and aligned with your spiritual essence.

Moreover, integrating personal prayer into our daily lives enables us to find solace during challenging times, cultivate gratitude, develop a sense of purpose, and live more consciously. By authentically expressing our desires, hopes, and dreams, we align our thoughts and emotions with the universe, opening up pathways for positive transformation.

Embracing the Sacred Dialogue

Prayer is not just about speaking; it is also about listening. In many Indigenous traditions, prayer is seen as a two-way conversation – a dialogue between oneself and the divine, nature, or the unseen forces that guide us. This act of listening is where true wisdom unfolds. Sitting in silence after prayer, allowing the heart to be receptive, creates space for insight, clarity, and deeper connection.

Water, fire, wind, and earth – natural elements that hold deep spiritual significance – have often been used as mediums for prayer. The ocean’s waves, the flicker of a candle’s flame, the whisper of the wind – these can all serve as conduits for prayerful expression. Incorporating nature into one’s practice can create a profound sense of alignment with the greater cosmos.

Embracing individuality within the realm of prayer allows us to tap into the immense power of this ancient practice while benefiting our brain’s neurological functioning and nurturing our spirituality. As science continues to unravel the fascinating effects of prayer on the brain, it is imperative that we recognise the significance of personalised prayer journeys and the diverse cultural traditions that have shaped them.

By acknowledging the holistic nature of prayer, we can delve into its transformative potential and create a harmonious balance between our inner selves and the world around us. So, let us embark on a path of self-discovery, embracing the uniqueness of our prayer expressions, and nurture the spiritual connection that lies within each of us.