Spiritual Living 101 - Similarities Between Magick and Prayer

Some people thing that magick is a joke, and is just a pointless act performed by those without true faith. In all actuality, Magick and prayer are very similar, and are done for the same purpose.

Being Pagan, I have discovered that simple magick and prayer are almost interchangeable. Prayer and Magick are both used to ask a higher power to provide something to us. Magick can be more complex than prayer, but overall they are aiming at the same goal.

Prayer is usually quite simple. One simply kneels down and asks God for whatever it is they want. Some magick is as simple as that too. Sometimes people are very minimalist in their magick. Prayer can also be more than just kneeling, incorporating religious symbols such as holding a rosary, or being in a spiritual location such as a church. It is at this point when it becomes more like magick, as magick often involves some semblance of ritual while connecting to the higher power.

When it comes to the things asked for in prayer and requested in magickal ritual, they tend to be much the same. One may ask for guidance in life, health, wealth, prosperity or healing for others, or simply to be "contacted" by the higher power. Whether someone simply asks in prayer or uses ritual to attract the desired effect, both are attempting to receive something from whatever higher power they believe in.

Both magick and prayer require belief in some higher power, whether it be nature, the universe or a God. Without faith, both prayer and magick are meaningless actions that will achieve no end. Both prayer and magick require faith and spiritual commitment in order for them to be effective.

The only real difference between prayer and magick is in the props and activity level. Magick tends to be more ritualized, with the practitioner using physical items and actions to accentuate their desire and refine their focus. Prayer is usually a simpler, quieter event. However, it's not uncommon for people to pray while doing things that involve what they are praying for, such as praying for health during a medical exam or praying for money while writing out bills. In this way, they are performing a sort of magick.

Despite the difference in terms, many religions share practices that are more similar than any of them would care to admit. Perhaps focusing on our similarities might do more for the world than focusing on the differences. No matter how you look at it, we're all asking some unseen power to guide and provide for us. Maybe, just maybe, the same power is answering all of us.

**Note**
Opinions in this article are based on my own personal experience and conversations with Pagans, Christians and followers of other faiths.