Anoushka Shankar, Stephen Mitchell, and Roberta Bondi — Approaching Prayer

Ancient Wisdom

Roberta Bondi shares transformative insights from the early Christian desert fathers and mothers, known as the Abbas and Ammas, who retreated to the deserts of Egypt and Syria to pray. These mystics emphasized that there is no single correct way to pray, encouraging individuals to find their own path to spirituality 1. Bondi recounts a personal experience where the wisdom of these ancient figures guided her to embrace prayer as a personal practice, highlighting that prayer is about everyday life and not a lofty spiritual mystery 2.

Prayer is the hardest of the virtues because prayer is warfare to the last breath.

--- Roberta Bondi

This perspective underscores the idea that prayer is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and connection with the divine 3.

   

Modern Interpretations

In modern times, prayer is interpreted in diverse ways, blending ancient traditions with contemporary life. Roberta Bondi likens prayer to a shared life experience, filled with ordinary moments and intense periods of wrestling with profound issues 4. Anoushka Shankar experiences prayer through music, particularly in her collaborations with her father, Ravi Shankar, where she recites prayers to Hindu deities like Ganesha to seek blessings and remove obstacles 5.

Any reason to begin a pattern of prayer is a good reason, because prayer is about everyday life.

--- Roberta Bondi

These interpretations reflect a broader understanding of prayer as a personal and adaptable practice, relevant to both religious and non-religious individuals 6.