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)

Other Prayers

Let Me Hear
Let me hear, O God, the words that are good and sweet.
Let me see the beautiful things that fill my heart with joy.
Let me have a strong body,
to sing thy glories and devote my life to your work.
Mahendra Jani, Vandana Jani in What You Will See Inside A Hindu Temple

What You Want
Creator, whatever it is you want me to do today, that is what I want to do. Whatever it is you want me to say, today, Creator, that is what I want to say. Wherever you want me to go today, Creator, that is where I want to go.
Sequoyah in Learning to Pray by Wayne Muller