Prayer

I love prayer books. From the Psalms to the Book of a Common Prayer to Orthodox prayer books, I have always been drawn to them. I remember finding Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim many years ago and was fascinated with the different viewpoint. 

From the perspective of a panentheist, I have had to really reevaluate the purpose of prayer. I have been working on letting go of the idea of an entity I’m pleading with for justice or mercy in the world and instead I’ve been working to align myself with the belief in the interconnectedness of all existence and the recognition of the divine presence within and throughout the universe. Prayer, in that sense, is a means to engage actively with the divine presence that transcends and encompasses all things, fostering a deepened connection, alignment, and co-creative relationship with the unfolding of the universe. It is a way to participate in the ongoing evolution of consciousness and contribute to the collective elevation of humanity.

I believe prayer can have a variety of aspects and purposes. Some of these are both exciting and still new to me. They include:

1. Deepening Connection: Prayer serves as a means to deepen the connection and communion with the divine presence that permeates and encompasses the entire universe. It is an opportunity to acknowledge and nurture the inherent connection between oneself and the divine essence.

2. Co-creation and Collaboration: Prayer can be seen as an act of co-creation and collaboration with the divine. It is an invitation to participate actively in the unfolding of the divine plan and to align one's thoughts, intentions, and actions with the greater cosmic order.

3. Seeking Wisdom and Guidance: Prayer provides a platform to seek wisdom, insight, and guidance from the divine presence. It is an opportunity to pose questions, seek clarity, and receive intuitive or inspired guidance in navigating life's challenges and decisions.

4. Expressing Gratitude and Reverence: Prayer allows for the expression of gratitude and reverence for the interconnected web of existence and the divine energy that sustains it. It is a way to acknowledge and appreciate the beauty, blessings, and wonders of the world.

5. Healing and Transformation: Prayer can be a source of healing and transformation, both on an individual and collective level. It offers an avenue to release burdens, seek comfort, and invoke divine energy for healing, growth, and restoration.

6. Cultivating Awareness and Alignment: Prayer serves as a practice to cultivate awareness, presence, and alignment with the divine presence within oneself and in the world. It fosters mindfulness, introspection, and a deepening sense of attunement to the interconnectedness of all life.

7. Awakening to Higher Consciousness: Prayer can be a pathway to awaken and align with one's higher self, the elevated state of consciousness that seeks to embody divine qualities such as love, compassion, and unity. It facilitates the journey of spiritual growth, self-realization, and the manifestation of one's highest potential.

So, prayer remains as a means of connection with the divine, but I find myself also feeling more connected with creation and with humankind, with spirit guides and angels, with Jesus himself, an ascended master. I literally am part of something so much bigger than myself, it’s almost impossible to describe. And I’m okay with that. It’s something constantly unfolding before me. What I love most about it is I’m experiencing the divine, not just reading or hearing about it. It’s beautiful and engaging. It’s meditative and calming. It’s exhilarating and inspiring. My experiences are personal and moving, but they move me to being a source of love and healing for others. 

The Apostle Paul said to pray without ceasing. He called for us to maintain an attitude of constant communion with god. Although my view of god is a bit different than his, I couldn’t agree more on this constant communion. It is what moves us to life a life of love, empathy, and compassion. The Orthodox Church tradition teaches the Jesus Prayer, or Prayer of the Heart, as a means to stay in a state of meditative prayer. If we are constantly in communion with the divine, our actions, beliefs, and view of others will reflect it. This isn’t easy. Almost daily, I find myself wanting to lash out at bullies, for example. Put them in their place! That’s my trigger. I want to be better and love them through their anger and hatred. 

Anyway, back to prayer books. I just haven’t found one I’m happy with in the path I’m on now. So, I’ll work on some myself. Maybe post them here on the website. Who knows? Maybe publishing a prayer book is in my future. Maybe not. But either way, I will continue my practice of praying without ceasing, often not in words, but in a state of communion with the divine. It reveals to me how I can stay on track, fulfilling my purpose on this beautiful journey.