...including mine.
Back in ancient Egypt, those mighty temples whose remains still stand today were mostly for the benefit of the ruler's family and friends, and the influential nobles of the land, and of course the powerful priesthoods which operated them. The average Egyptian couldn't get past the outer courtyards, where they could look, but not participate, so their worship was conducted at home at a personal shrine set up in a part of the home which was reserved for that purpose. At little like what you see above, where daily prayers were performed in private. There's something comforting in sharing a tradition dating from 3,500 years ago.
And yes, that's a prayer mat in the foreground. I agree with my Arab neighbors; the way to pray is on your hands and knees, with your forehead to the floor, to show proper respect to your Creator. And be quiet about it. In the ancient Egyptian text of The Papyrus of Ani, commonly called 'The Book Of The Dead' we are advised to "Pray with a loving heart, the petitions of which all are in secret. He will do your business, He will hear what you say, and accept your offerings."
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