Nowadays in social media, the concept of manifestation to attain your best life is practiced and promoted. As Catholics, manifesting is something that can contradict your prayer life. Some argue that these concepts are essentially the same, but is it, really? In this post, we’ll explore and answer the question “Is manifesting and praying the same thing?”.
Prayer in the Catholic Church
Prayer holds a significant role in the Catholic faith, and it is an essential aspect of Catholic spirituality and worship. The concept of praying for Catholics is rooted in their belief in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the intercession of saints. Praying isn’t just so we can ask God for things in our life, but rather is a way to build a relationship with God and Jesus.
What is Manifestation?
The concept of Manifestation is rooted in various philosophical and spiritual beliefs, and it gained widespread attention through the New Thought movement and the Law of Attraction. At its core, Manifestation is the idea that individuals can attract or create their desired outcomes, experiences, and realities through their thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and actions. The premise is that the energy and vibrations one emits into the universe influence what they attract back into their life.
Catholic Forms of Prayer
Catholics participate in a diverse range of prayer forms, each holding special significance within their spiritual practice. These include vocal prayers, such as the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be, which are commonly recited prayers known by Catholics worldwide. Additionally, they engage in meditation, contemplation, and spontaneous prayers, each offering unique ways to connect with their faith and deepen their spiritual journey.
Prayer for Catholics often extends beyond predefined rituals, encompassing personal intentions that align with their individual needs and heartfelt desires. These personal intentions allow Catholics to bring their specific concerns, joys, and supplications before God, creating an intimate and meaningful conversation with the divine.
What are Prayer Intentions?
Having a prayer intention means having a specific purpose or focus in mind while offering a prayer. It involves directing your thoughts, emotions, and words towards a particular concern, request, or gratitude you want to express to God.
For example, if someone is going through a challenging time, they may have a prayer intention for healing and comfort for themselves or someone they care about. On the other hand, someone expressing gratitude for a significant achievement may have a prayer intention to offer thanks and acknowledge the blessings they’ve received.
The Role of Intentions
The role of intention can be seen in both manifesting and praying, which is why most people think manifesting and praying are the same thing, they may look the same thing at first but are practiced very differently.
In prayer, the intention is often directed toward God. As Catholics, we let out our intention to God, and trust in His plans for us. In manifestation, the intention is focused on one’s ability to attract what they desire through their thoughts and energy.
Is Manifesting and Praying the Same Thing?
If you’re looking for a straightforward answer, No, Manifesting and praying is not the same thing. Prayer centers on a connection with God and surrendering to His divine will, while manifesting focuses on personal agency, positive thinking, and the Law of Attraction. When done wrong, Manifestation can fall into sin, which is why we should always be careful with this concept. Yes, they both have the role of intentions, but prayer is definitely not the same as manifesting.
If you’re finding yourself in between, the best thing to do is to go and seek advice and spiritual direction from your local parish priest or pastor as soon as possible. Discussing this with them personally will surely help you get through this struggle.