Thursday, October 15, 2015

Kasey Frazier The Phenomenology of Prayer: Decentered Self


"Prayer is the deepest decentering of the self." Decentering begins with prayer. Prayer is the beginning of breaking down one’s self. According to Westphal, praise is the first element you need for prayer. This is because everyone knows how to give praise. When a child gives thanks for something they received they have learned the first step in prayer. I believe you have to be humble to pray and begin decentering the self. Once a person becomes humble they are able to give and receive in a better flow. The humbleness allows them to be thankful without any other judgements going on in the mind. Also, the Other might connect with a person easier if they have no guard up and is just being humble.
I feel speaking freely is a key technique to decentering the self. During prayer one must feel confident when speaking. Not holding back and truly connecting with the divine Other. A free flow of words should be transferred through the mouth and onto the air letting the prayer fill the room with no setbacks.

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