2007-11-01 09:53:15 · 28 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
People who meditate don't expect it to change external events, whereas pray is often an appeal to a deity they believe can change external events.
Meditation need not be directed at any specific object, person or entity, whereas prayer is an attempt to communicate with a deity.
2007-11-01 09:59:48 · answer #1 · answered by Subconsciousless 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Several ways:
1) Prayer is apprehensive by nature, whereas meditation often isn't.
2) Prayer is often planned and focused, whereas meditation can be done without any pre-set plan in mind.
3) Prayer addresses a particular deity. You can meditate without bringing deity into the picture.
4) Prayer involves words, whether spoken aloud or thought of in one's head. Meditation doesn't have to necessarily include these things.
2007-11-01 11:12:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Meditation generally does not including addressing another being, asking them to do something for you, and waiting around for something to come of your request.
In general, the purpose also appears to be different - people pray to get something they want to happen. People meditate to balance the inner mind.
Other than both (often) being a quiet time spent in reflection, I see few similarities between meditation and prayer, to be honest.
2007-11-01 10:00:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Meditation does not imply the existence of a deity to which one is addressing a prayer. It is focus on the inside of oneself. Even atheists can meditate, and get much serenity and focus (mindfulness is one of the terms used). But it is completely irrational for an atheist to pray.
2007-11-01 10:52:37 · answer #4 · answered by auntb93 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For one thing, prayer is a worshipful, verbal conversation with or towards a Deity...meditation is simply mental concentration on any particular subject. I can meditate on my artwork in an effort to improve the composition; but that doesn't mean I'm worshiping it or engaging it in conversation.
2007-11-01 10:01:06 · answer #5 · answered by adrift feline 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prayer is a conversation with an imaginary being.
Meditation is tuning in to your mind and body to affect positive change.
2007-11-01 09:56:38 · answer #6 · answered by ►solo 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think meditation is to think very deep in the prayer.. and prayer is just to pray without to think.. but when you meditate every word that you say.. you are getting closer to the divinity
2007-11-01 09:57:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I know that my prayer is very vocal and active, with gesture and sometimes with ritual or dance. I've lately learned how to meditate, at least for a few minutes at a time. It's very passive. I'm emptying myself out, not charging myself up.
2007-11-01 12:44:21 · answer #8 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In meditation, you're focusing inward. In prayer, there's a two way communication with God (or at least, there should be), and the listening is way more important than the talking!
2007-11-01 10:02:27 · answer #9 · answered by bainaashanti 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Meditation is a clearing of the mind, the absence of thought. Prayer is active, directed thought or speech.
2007-11-01 09:57:06 · answer #10 · answered by milomax 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋