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)

A Blessing for Devotion
May you desire the One who desires you:
may the yearning to be together wake you up from your deep unawareness.
May you not be complete or satisfied or at peace until you accept the invitation.
May your soul draw energy, light, purpose, clarity, and union from your alignment with God.
May your loving gaze and attention upon your Creator mirror Her loving gaze and attention that never wanders, or wanes, or deserts you.
May you delight in delighting and seek connection at every opportunity, answering the pull within to kneel and be, to gather and receive.
May your devotion bear fruit in all you say, all you do, all you give, and all you receive.
As a baby coos at the one who holds her close, may you coo and cuddle in the arms of the One who holds you close.
May you know that you are created in love, by love, for love.
May you devote your life to that for which you were created.
— Kaki Grubbs, Spiritual Literacy Certificates Program, 2024 Cohort

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