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The Power of Prayer |
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Q: Could you tell us something about prayer? Should we pray only for the well-being of others? A: In praying exclusively for ourselves we are obviously being 'selfish'; but we are human beings and often need personal guidance, refreshment for the soul and a sense of being unconditionally cared for by some Greater Power. We can achieve all of these things by 'touching base' so to speak: so, to pray for yourself is not morally 'wrong'. Our prayers for other people are undoubtedly helpful, but I think it's helpful to seek peace and progress for your own soul, too. Q: But I find it hard to pray. How should I pray? A: The Creator's Spirit is within you, so you already have an intimate relationship with your Creator. Try this: quieten your mind and relax your body then speak either mentally or vocally, directing your thoughts inward towards, perhaps, some kind of vivid image. You might visualise a religious icon; or maybe a candle-flame; or a colourful flower; or perhaps a peaceful countryside scene, bathed in sunshine. You may feel more comfortable imagining The Creator as a Great Light whose rays are flooding your entire being. Or perhaps, for you, He shines like a bright flame in the centre of your heart, which is where many mystics claim that God's Spirit is located in man. Some people find it easier to talk to The Creator as though He were an old friend; while others mentally write a letter to Him and then imagine launching it into Infinity. There's no 'right' or 'wrong' way to pray because whatever method you use to connect with the Inner Power that created you, your prayer will definitely be heard and then answered in the way that would most benefit the progress of your soul. The Universal Laws stipulate that by the very act of prayer, the very act of opening the heart and recognising a Higher Source and seeking help from it, the person who is praying is making him or herself available to the great influx of inspiration waiting to be poured into the minds of all those who seek The Great Spirit's help. In this way, prayer can be seen as a personal exercise of one's own spirit as it seeks refreshment, guidance or aid from those who are in attunement with it in Eternity. Mass prayers that are frequently recited have little effect upon spirit world denizens, because they are not spontaneous creations originating in the heart and soul of the seeker. But any prayer that is sincerely felt and meant, which is born of emotion and desire will reach much further into the world of spirit, and bring a more fruitful reply. Utterly selfish, self-centred, egotistical prayers do not usually bring favourable responses from evolved Beings in Eternity, whereas prayers asked for the good of others and one's own spiritual nature, will naturally draw the help that the seeker has rightly earned by his or her life, actions, and thoughts. |
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'Thought is the Mightiest Power in the Universe. If used correctly, thought-energies can rebuild broken hearts, re-shape shattered lives, and bring peace into the midst of the human family' Spiritual teacher Stephen O'Brien answers some challenging questions: |
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Healing Tapes recorded by Stephen Healing from Stephen O'Brien |
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