Prayer is similar in many ways. Even the poses associated with prayer, hands pressed in front of the heart center, are quite common in physical meditative prac

Prayer is similar in many ways. Even the poses associated with prayer, hands pressed in front of the heart center, are quite common in physical meditative practices. There are codified names in yoga for all of the poses in the islamic prayer ritual as well (tadasana (mountain pose) and balasana (child's pose)). These are particular orientations of the body known to the ancients to align the mind towards meditation. It's not an accident. Nor is the fasting requirements common to various traditions, which are meant to quiet the gut, and thereby the mind, making meditation much easier. Even group singing/chanting can be considered meditative. Many monk traditions of course incorporate this as a formal meditation. So it's not too far off. Modern life obscures the original intent of course, but the meditative elements are there for any adherents.