Prayer

Hello!

I have been thinking about this post for a couple of weeks; ever since I read the book, "The Prayer Chest," by August Gold and Joel Fotinos.

I read many books every month. I read all types of genres. I especially enjoy spiritual texts. I believe that there is spiritual truth in all religions and that regardless of the faith one chooses to follow, it is one's responsibility to educate oneself to other people's spiritual beliefs. I do not believe, as some do, that to read other tenets of faith leads to "falling away" in your own faith. I also do not believe, as others do, that there is only one faith that has all the answers. Having said this, I continue.

In the book, "The Prayer Chest," the authors, basically write a parable to teach the reader three important lessons about prayer. The parable is heavily Christian in its vocabulary. What makes the text meaningful to me, is its practicality of thought. You see, my religious history is full of rules; do not behave like this, do not eat this, be sure to give this much, and so on and so forth. Failure to abide by these rules results in consequences like not having your prayers answered. In fact, even in prayer, one had to approach God in a certain format. If your prayer was not answered, alas, you did not ask in the correct manner.

Religion is tough on people. I mean, look at the world today. What was meant as a private reflection to bring personal peace and serenity, has turned into a public display of violence and grief...and it does not matter which belief system you subscribe to, all of them become toxic and ugly.

What I liked about the book, and this is not a glowing recommendation for its text in its entirety, is that the three rules, I gleaned, were practical and made sense.

Rule One: Prayer is answered through you.
This is true! As much as we have been led to believe, praying towards the ceiling (or floor) or sky or a candle (or shrine) etc. does not incite God to magically answer your prayer. The truth of the matter is that the essence of our prayer is our desire to accomplish something in our life. It is our deepest hope for our life, whether health, wealth, love, security, or whatever. Our prayer stems out of our circumstance thus even as we speak from our situation, we are already formulating a direction of how to get our deepest desire (our prayer). Therefore, ultimately, we end up answering our own prayer.

Rule Two: Prayer is answered when you listen.
This is true! How many times can you recall that when you set your face in the direction of your desire, you ran into people or situations that "taught" you your lesson, or showed you a way. I imagine if you look back on your deepest desire (your prayer) you can recall a book, television program, article, or person who "just happened" to have an insight into your specific desire.

Rule Three: Prayer is answered when you welcome everything.
This is true too AND for me, this truth was/is the hardest to accept. I can honestly say, that during the times, I accepted my life situation as it was, I learned the most beneficial lesson, and received the answer of my prayer most expediently. When I, however, sulked, complained, moaned, groaned, stamped my foot, denied the blessing, I wallowed in my unanswered prayer and experienced pain and stagnation. I can honestly say that rule number three, is the hardest for me to follow. I am finally "getting it" and moving forward more consistently.

Recently, my much anticipated and awaited children's book was released by my publisher. This event was/is exciting and scary at the same time. I am encountering new situations in relation to this book and my interaction with people, almost every day. My book was my private jewel that is now public, and as exciting as that is, I am sensitive to what others think and say about it. My prayer for its release is answered, and now I have new prayers that must be answered. Everyday, I remember rule number three, look for rule number two, so I can do rule number one. Does that make sense?

And so, my exhortation to you (and to me as well), is that you chew on these three rules, swallow them, and allow them to give you the nutrition they promise, so you will grow strong and affect your world, and others as well.

Okay, I hope I haven't been too preachy today.

Have hope.
Donna