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Jane Williams editor of The Star, a magazine from Bradford Synagogue, reflects on prayer as a meditative act, to celebrate 55 years of Prayer for the Day from Bradford, the City of Culture.

Good morning.

I find that prayer for me, is a meditative act. I come from a tradition that values community prayer. I love the experience of praying with others, in our 145 year old Synagogue here in Bradford. It gives a sense of communion with others; alongside me, and in memory.

Communal prayer in Hebrew, has a reassuring pattern. The words I speak aloud would be familiar to my mother and to my grandmother. Even so, this isn’t how I find it easiest to pray. I prefer to seek out the tranquil countryside around the city, where I can speak quietly to my creator. On the hills, with my feet touching the earth, I can detach from the stresses of life, and speak from my heart. I like to focus on a tree. No sophistication is required, simply sincere words and faith.

Praying silently outdoors is a deeply grounding experience connecting me to the divine. Here, I can talk to my creator, as I can to a good friend. I can be honest, contrite, happy or sad; exuberant, or subdued. In other words, I can be me. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov called this ‘Hitbodedut’. To me, this is the true essence of personal prayer.

Lord, Lead us to those quiet spaces where we can be truly at one with you. Help us to be open and honest in our prayer. Lead us to know you as a friend, and mentor; a sure guide in everything we do.

Amen.