Prayerwork and Spellwork

Why do people pray or work spells?

Consider what Neo-Pagan Ceiswr Serith has to say:

“When we pray, we talk to divine beings. They are our spiritual friends, our parents, and/or our cousins…they have to be invited into our lives. Go on, give them a call and tell them how much you’ve missed them, tell them how wonderful you think they are; and, while you’re at it, maybe ask for a favor or thank them for favors done. You might find you like talking to them.” – Ceisiwr Serith, A Book of Pagan Prayer

We pray because we are social creatures. We talk to each other. We talk to our pets. It’s natural to converse with the Sacred, as well, whether we choose unscripted prayer or scripted spells. I talk with my mother Aia, with my brother Christ and with my spirit guides. I talk with those who have gone before. Sometimes I even talk with Ganesha. (He understands that my path rarely wanders his direction, but he listens anyway. 🙂 )

Sometimes I ‘feel’ it. Often I don’t. I don’t always ‘feel’ it when I exercise, either, but I have faith that’s it’s making my body healthier. It’s the same with prayer work and spellwork. Like exercise, it’s good discipline and I  feel better afterward.

Prayer work

Mantras are prayer work. Like spells, they are scripted words to help us to focus and transcend. 

For Christians, Christ’s Prayer is often used meditatively. Here is my reworking of this prayer, often called the Lord’s Prayer:

Christ’s Prayer
Our Creator who dwells in all, 
we ken your holy Name.
Your vision come,
your desires be done,
In our hearts as in yours.
Provide today for all our needs,
and forgive us our error,
as we forgive those who err against us.
Save us in our times of trial,
and deliver us from injury,
for yours is the Vision,
and the true Strength,
and all Beauty,
now and forever. Amen.

Spellwork

Like mantras, spells are a formal way to communicate with the Sacred. Note: be thoughtful with spellwork (and prayer, for that matter) because what we put out into the universe affects everyone, including ourselves.

To Banish Negativity
Spell of negativity,
Be far away from me,
Banished now and forever be,
By the power of Sacred Threes,
As I speak, so may it be.

To Welcome True Love
Love divine come unto me,
Let my spirit soar with thee,
Bring my true love, let Romance be,
Bring peace & joy & loyalty,
By the power of Sacred Threes,
As I speak, so may it be.

For Protection
A bubble of protection ever surround me,
To keep out all whose intention is harm.
No barbs, no jabs, no negativity,
Instead peace, love, joy, and equanimity.
By the power of Sacred Threes,
As I speak, so may it be.

To Bind Someone Who Means Harm
May their fingers be unable to grasp ill-gotten gain,
May their grasping minds suffer the same,
May unkind words burn their tongue,
Be forever unspoken,
Sour ash in their mouth,
A reminder, a token,
Be they unable to even look my way,
Out of their thoughts may I stay.
By the power of Sacred Threes,
As I speak, so may it be.

To Bring Success
Spirit of Good Fortune shine down;
May courage be found,
Wisdom abound,
and my Success resound.
By the power of Sacred Threes,
As I speak, so may it be.

For Healing
Sacred, shine your light through me,
Bring healing to my body.
By the power of Sacred Threes,
As I speak, so may it be.

To Find Community
I call my circle unto me,
My sacred Community,
True companions let us be,
By the power of Sacred Threes,
As I speak, so may it be.