Spirituality ... Alternatives
Sarah M. Collins
The Little Guide to Big Changes
Why Pray?
Prayer is not an old woman's idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.
Mahatma Gandhi
1869 – 1948, Indian leader
There are many reasons to pray. Prayer can be the key to finding solace in your life, the means of seeking forgiveness, or the manner in which you find guidance in your life. It can also be the means to satisfy a desire, to absolve you from something you said or did, or simply to give thanks. Most often, it’s a method of asking Spirit for help with life’s problems, whether for yourself or another. People tend to pray when they’re in trouble or have a desperate need for something. For many, it’s when they’ve reached the end of the line and have nowhere else to turn. Why is it that prayer tends to be a last resort for so many?
Prayer should be the first thing you think of when your problems seem insurmountable. After all, there is only one thing you can count on in life – no, it’s not your family or friends I’m sorry to say – it’s Spirit. The Divine is with you every step of the way in your journey of life and is closer than the air you breathe. It is at your beck and call, ready to intervene if you will just take the simple step of asking. Spirit is your private counselor, always at the ready with a willing ear. But this magnificent part of you is hidden from your awareness, cut off from your conscious self. Most of us walk through life with blinders on, never being aware of the details. Tunnel vision is so limiting! If we would just learn to open our hearts and minds, we would catch a glimmer of the Divinity that lies beneath our human facade.
Whenever you have a need, prayer is just a heartbeat away. You never have to wait for it, it is available 24/7, every day of your life. It doesn’t depend on the weather or the economy, the opinions of others, how much money you have, your religion or lack thereof, or even your character. It only depends upon your willingness to commune with the unseen world of Spirit. Speak and you shall be heard.
Pray when you’re anxious or lonely. Pray when you’re losing hope. Pray when you need a shoulder to cry on; your tears will be dried and a peaceful stillness will envelop your heart. Best of all, pray when you are grateful for something or someone. Showing gratitude through prayer is a wonderful way of appreciating all the little moments that make up your life. Recognizing the significance of someone or something, valuing the many opportunities and challenges you are presented with each day are wonderful lessons in humility. Being appreciative and respecting the smallness as well as the largeness in life can teach you so much about what’s truly important.
Your Special Lifeline
Seeking a connection with Divinity opens up a pathway of inner guidance. Following its direction will never steer you down a wrong path. It is the most reliable resource you have because it is Divine in nature.
Prayer is one manner of seeking inner guidance. The ways in which your prayers are answered can be subtle and surprising. Prayers do not usually respond in an ordinary manner. However, seeking a connection with the spirit world through prayer is one expression of life that can be counted on, always.
Prayer is not the divine province of any one path; it is open to all regardless of faith or belief system. Prayer is universal. It can be utilized anytime, anywhere, by anyone. The beauty of prayer is that there is no right or wrong way.
If you haven’t tried praying before, you are missing out on a simple method that can add so much richness to your life. Communing with the world of the invisible brings you closer to your true nature, which is spiritual in origin. Attuning to Spirit can open up a dazzling array of possibilities that will enliven and amaze you. This contact should be cultivated so it can blossom in your life; it can be your lifeline.
Excerpted from The Little Guide to Big Changes: 6 Steps to Creating Lasting, Positive Change in Your Life
Copyright © 2009 Sarah M. Collins. All rights reserved. (reprinted with permission)