I grew up Mormon and stayed as long as I did because of some of my experiences with prayer. I prayed for calmness and focus before going on stage when I used to perform. I prayed about where to go to college. I prayed about how to handle relationship issues. I prayed about where to live. I would get answers to these prayers that I thought were divine inspiration from god. I still think the answers I received helped me find happiness and led me to where I am today. But now that I don’t believe in the church anymore, I stopped praying.

Today I was reading the recent People article about David Archuleta stepping away from the Mormon church. He was trying to “pray the gay away” and got an answer that he can’t change that part of himself because that is who he truly is. After reading this, I thought - is this a message from his higher self or a spirit guide? Were all the answers to my prayers from my higher self? How else can I explain the inspiration and answers I received?

I miss praying, but I gotta find something that can give me the same kind of divine inspiration but without the religious ties to it. Any suggestions on what I can do instead?