Different Ways to Pray

Acknowledging that there is no one single or correct way to pray, prayer takes many forms in this poem. Nye’s speaker uses the concept of prayer as an extended metaphor for the concept of living. Prayer has long been a part of human existence. Whether defined by organized religion or spirituality, the act of praying and prayer is defined as something akin to gratitude: It is the solemn expression of help or thanks to an object or God of worship.

Prayer can also be defined as a hope, a wish, a desire for things to continue as they are, or to improve. Nye’s poem opens with an iconic form of prayer familiar to many: “the method of kneeling” (Line 1). Kneeling has been described as “a way for one to show outwardly what one believes inwardly” (“Is Kneeling Important to You During Worship?” The Washington Post. 2003.). The act of kneeling is a form of deference. By beginning the poem with kneeling, Nye establishes religious tones, which are further explored as the poem transitions to more unconventional forms of prayer outside of the mosque, church, or place of worship.

Prayer in “Different Ways to Pray” knows no boundaries.