By Karen Van Allen
The power of prayer is available to us, but we need to align with our Higher Self in order to access it. Our separated or ego self thinks that there is something we need—a job, relationship, money in the bank, the healing of an illness—to make us happy or peaceful. This can leave us feeling disconnected from our Source.
In the Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes (Holmes 1938, 150) writes about the Laws Governing Prayer, “When we become conscious of our Oneness with Universal Good, beliefs in evil, sin, sickness, limitation, and death tend to disappear. We shall no longer ‘ask amiss,’ supplicating as though God were not willing, begging as though He were withholding.” There was a time in my life (honestly, several times) when I knew I was begging. It felt as if God held the key to my happiness and had to decide if I was worthy to receive it. If only I had …, (fill in the blank), I could accept what is and move forward. The result is that I missed what did show up because I was busy looking for what I thought I wanted. I was attached to the outcome instead of affirming that I already have everything that I need.
“Prayer cannot succeed until you realize that it asks for nothing. It is impossible to pray for idols and hope to reach God. Don’t ask to entreat. Ask to receive what is already given; to accept what is already there.” … “To ask that Christ be but Himself is not an entreaty. It is a song of Thanksgiving for what you are. Herein lies the power of prayer.” (S-1*)
Join me in looking at prayer from a new perspective. If you find this challenging, there are beloved practitioners at NVC that are available to assist us. “Help in prayer does not mean that another mediates between you and God. But it does mean that another stands beside you and helps to raise you up to Him. (S-1.6)
*The Song of Prayer is a supplement to A Course in Miracles and was scribed by Helen Schucman from September through November of 1977.) A Course in Miracles study group meets via Zoom on Monday nights from 6:30-8:00 pm. New and continuing students welcome. Please respond to this post if you would like the meeting link