Fast facts
No. Words are optional.
Intention, not words
'For the highest good'
Brief meditation or silence
Sometimes recited
Intention Over Words
The Purpose of Opening Words or Silence
What you say before Reiki is less important than why you say it. Words can help you focus your intention. They can ground you. They can create a sacred container for the session.
But words are not required. Many experienced practitioners say nothing at all. They take a few deep breaths, center themselves, and place their hands. The silence is its own opening.
Find what works for you. Some people need words to feel focused. Others prefer silence. Both are valid.
Sample Opening Words
Examples of intentions, prayers, and affirmations.
- Simple intention: 'I invite Reiki to flow for the highest good of all involved.'
- Personal intention: 'I am a channel for healing. May Reiki flow through me with love and compassion.'
- For the recipient: 'May this session bring peace, relaxation, and healing.'
- Five principles: 'Just for today, I will not anger. Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will be grateful. Just for today, I will work honestly. Just for today, I will be kind.'
- Prayer (Christian): 'God, let Your healing flow through my hands. May this session be for Your glory and the healing of Your child.'
- Prayer (non-religious): 'May healing energy flow where it is needed most. May this session be for the highest good.'
- Silence: Take three deep breaths. Bow your head. Place your hands. Begin.
Opening a Reiki Session
The spectrum from elaborate to minimal.
Elaborate Opening
Prayer. Five principles. Formal intention. Grounding ritual. May take 2-3 minutes.
Simple Opening
Brief intention. 'For the highest good.' One breath. Place hands. 10-20 seconds.
Minimal Opening
Three deep breaths. Center. Place hands. Silence. 5-10 seconds.
No Opening
Simply place hands. Reiki flows anyway. Intention is present without words.
The Most Important Thing
Setting Your Intention Before Reiki
Intention is more important than words. Your intention is the energetic container for the session. It sets the direction. It opens the channel.
A simple intention: 'I am a channel for Reiki. May it flow for the highest good.' That is enough. You do not need elaborate language.
If you are unsure what intention to set, 'for the highest good' is always appropriate. It leaves the outcome to wisdom greater than your own.
Set your intention silently or aloud. Before you place your hands. Or as you place them. The timing matters less than the sincerity.
Japanese Approaches
How Opening Was Done in Traditional Usui Reiki
Traditional Japanese Reiki did not have elaborate opening scripts. The focus was on the practitioner's daily practice, not session scripts.
Before a session, the practitioner might recite the five principles. Not as a performance, but as a centering practice. 'Just for today, I will not anger. Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will be grateful. Just for today, I will work honestly. Just for today, I will be kind.'
They might also take a moment of silent meditation, grounding themselves in the present moment. Then they would place their hands. No fanfare. No drama.
The simplicity is instructive. You do not need elaborate words. You need presence. Open the space with your presence, not your voice.
I am a channel for Reiki. May it flow for the highest good of all. May it go where it is needed most. May I be humble, open, and present.
Key takeaways
- There is no required script. Words are optional.
- Intention matters more than words. Set a clear intention for the session.
- A simple intention like 'for the highest good' is sufficient.
- Some practitioners recite the five principles before starting.
- Silence and three deep breaths are also a valid opening.
- Find what works for you. Consistency is not required. Sincerity is.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to say anything before Reiki?
No. Many practitioners say nothing at all. Intention is more important than words.
Should I say the five principles before every session?
Some practitioners do. It is a beautiful centering practice. It is not required.
Should I say my intention aloud or silently?
Either is fine. Aloud can help you commit. Silently keeps the session quiet. Both work.
What if I forget to set an intention?
Reiki works anyway. Intention is helpful, not mandatory. Do not worry.
Can I pray before Reiki?
Yes. Many practitioners pray according to their faith. Others do not. Both are valid.
Sources
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
- Traditional Usui Reiki practice.
- Practitioner experience and guidance.
