Many of people incorporate prayer into daily life because they believe in the power of prayer, while others pray occasionally because they are in crisis. Most people who do pray on a regular basis have and follow a system of faith that they find comfort and solace in and have faith in God. Yet, everyone’s experience is deeply individual, and no two people’s understanding of prayer is exactly the same.
Some people become frustrated with prayer or do not believe in prayer because of disappointments they have had in the past. They feel that God or another divine force has let them down because their prayers were not answered immediately, or in the fashion that they asked. According to Israel Regardie, James Van Praagh, and Dr. Schucman, the following tips will help illuminate the power and mystery of prayer.
Open Communication In Prayer Is Essential
Those who practice prayer believe that praying is a way to communicate with God or another divinity. If one wants an open, honest, trusting relationship with people here on Earth, one must communicate openly and honestly in order to establish that relationship. For some, it is the same for praying and communicating with God, where open and honest communication will help one discover a strong connection to the divine.
According to psychic James Van Praagh, there are many spirits and spiritual entities that are there to help out, such as spirit guides and angels. Much like earthly relationships, relationships with God and spirits take time to cultivate.
Praying Should Feel and Come Naturally
Psychic James Van Praagh says that it is natural to feel a strong pull to some of these spirits or entities. Some people believe that their passed relatives have been appointed as their guardian angels. Some people would rather pray exclusively to angels.
Whether one is more comfortable praying to angels, saints, Jesus, Buddha, or grandma, Dr. Schucman recommends doing what feels natural. Dr. Schucman stated there is a reason it feels easy to do, and if a pull towards a particular direction isn’t felt, don’t fret. One can start by praying for the connection.
Allow Time For Prayers to Culminate and Have Patience
Israel Regardie observed that some prayer requests take more time: it's believed that some prayers can be answered immediately, while others need more time to culminate because of the physical makeup of the earthly world.
According to James Van Praagh, when one passes on into spirit, the person is no longer restrained in a physical presence, and thoughts instantaneously become reality. This is not the case in the physical world. While on Earth, Dr. Schucman explained that the right time and circumstances need to exist in order for one's prayers to culminate into reality.
Prayer and Faith
According to Israel Regardie, with a little time and patience, prayers can and do get answered, as long as one practices and spends the time to cultivate a relationship with God and spirit. Praying over time can help solidify one's faith that there is something beyond life on Earth.
James Van Praagh recommended to not get discouraged if a prayer or two does not get answered. There are some prayers that are not meant to be answered because they do not have a long-term benefit. It will become apparent which prayers were not meant to be as time passes.
References:
Regardie, I. (1932). The art of true healing: The unlimited power of prayer and visualization. Novato, CA: New World Library.
Schucman, H. (1976). A course in miracles. Mill Valley, CA: The Foundation for Inner Peace.
Van Praagh, J. (2001). Heaven and Earth: Making the psychic connection. New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc.
Kirsten O'Connor - I have a masters in Mental Health Counseling. I am working for a non-profit organization, Books for Charity, to establish and run a phone ...
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