• The sound of a bell, a church chime, or the stroke of a clock is a cue for me to pray.

• When I see a candle, I am reminded to focus my devotion on God.

• When I hear reports of war, famine, and other disasters, I vow to remember all those who are suffering in my prayers.

• Blessed is the Beloved who can be worshipped and served through devotion.

Over the centuries, certain words or short phrases have taken on a sacred character because of their use as repetitive prayers or mantras. Here are a few examples of traditional mantras.

• Buddhism: Om Mani Padme Hum (the jewel in the lotus of the heart)

• Christianity: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner (known as the Jesus Prayer); Maranatha (Come Lord); Hail Mary (Mother of God).

• Hinduism: Om (the sound of ultimate reality); Hare Krishna Rama (three holy names of God); Aum Namah Sivaya (Adoration to Siva).

• Islam: La ilaha il Allah (There is no god but God); Allahu akbar (God is great)

Catholic priest Anthony de Mello developed a series of exercises for use as prayers; they are collected in Sadhana: A Way to God. This one, titled �A Place for Prayer,� recognizes that where we pray has an influence on our prayer.

After some time spent in quieting yourself, withdraw in imagination to some place that is likely to foster prayer for you: a seashore, riverbank, mountaintop, a silent church, a terrace that gives on to the starry sky, a garden flooded by the light of the moon . . . See the place as vividly as possible. . . . All the colors . . . Hear all the sounds (the waves, the wind in the trees, the insects at night) . . . Now raise your heart to God and say something.

The Hopi Indians of Arizona believe that our daily rituals and prayers literally keep this world spinning on its axis. For me, feeding the seagulls is one of those everyday prayers.
— Brenda Peterson quoted in American Nature Writing 1994 edited by John A. Murray

To Practice This Thought: Identify one activity you do every day that can be regarded as a devotional act to sustain the world.

Each week make an effort to simplify your life as an affirmation of your commitment to beauty. Give away or discard one excess possession.