What’s the difference between praying and meditation?

Prayer and meditation are two different practices, although there may be some similarities in terms of their effects on the mind and body.

Prayer is generally considered to be a form of communication with a higher power or deity, with the intention of seeking guidance, expressing gratitude, or asking for intervention or assistance. Prayer is often practiced within a specific religious or spiritual context, and may involve reciting specific words or phrases, such as prayers, mantras, or affirmations.

Meditation, on the other hand, is a practice of training the mind to focus and quiet the thoughts, often with the intention of achieving a state of calmness, relaxation, or heightened awareness. Meditation can be practiced in a variety of ways, such as through mindfulness, visualization, or repeating a specific sound or phrase.

While both prayer and meditation can be used to achieve a sense of peace and connection with something greater than oneself, they approach this goal in different ways. Prayer is often focused on seeking external guidance or intervention, while meditation is focused on cultivating internal awareness and calmness.