The Witch's Book of Self-Care: Magical Ways to Pamper, Soothe, and Care for Your Body and Spirit - Arin Murphy-Hiscock 2018
Praying
Spiritual Self-Care
Prayer is a form of communication with whatever you feel is bigger than yourself. That may be the universe at large or a specific deity or an abstract such as the ideal of Truth or Peace or whatever feels right for you to address.
Prayer is not the exclusive domain of organized religion. While reciting set prayers can be a comfort, freestyling them and speaking from your heart is just as valid. Prayer can express love or gratitude, request help, call for protection, and just about anything you can think of. It’s very accessible.
Here are two prayers you can incorporate into your spiritual self-care practice. Use them as is, rewrite them, or come up with something entirely your own!
Bedtime Prayer
The term bedtime prayer may conjure up images of children kneeling at their bedsides with stern parents or nannies overseeing their murmuring, but in self-care, it’s a soft, gentle expression of gratitude. It’s a way to reach out in appreciation, to connect gently before falling asleep.
You can say the following prayer in your heart or aloud, whichever works better for you. Don’t worry about speaking it verbatim; consider it a guideline. Adjust and expand it as you need to.
What to Do:
1. Arrange yourself comfortably, either sitting on your bed or lying down.
2. Close your eyes. Center and ground. Take three deep breaths, exhaling slowly after each one.
3. Say:
This day has been blessed.
I thank you, universe,
For these many blessings.
Thank you for keeping me safe and whole,
For granting me compassion and insight.
Thank you for the kindnesses I received.
Grant me good dreams and restful sleep,
That I may be prepared for tomorrow and continue striving to be
The best person I can be.
So may it be.
Morning Prayer
Starting the day off with a prayer makes sense, especially if you like capping the day with one as well. It creates balance. A prayer in the morning is a way to formally launch your day with intention and mindfulness.
What to Do:
1. Arrange yourself comfortably, either sitting on your bed or standing.
2. Close your eyes. Center and ground. Take three deep breaths, exhaling slowly after each one.
3. Say:
Bless this day.
May I be safe and strong.
Grant me insight and healing.
May I be open to the love flowing toward me
And sensitive enough to know when others need my help.
Grant me kindness and compassion.
So may it be.