“(Prayer) cannot succeed until you realize that it asks for nothing. How else could it serve its purpose? It is impossible to pray for idols and hope to reach God. True prayer must avoid the pitfall of asking to entreat (to plead for something; to beg). Ask, rather, to receive what is already given; to accept what is already there.”
“These forms of prayer, or asking-out-of-need, always involve feelings of weakness and inadequacy, and could never be made by a Son of God who knows Who he is. No one, then, who is sure of his Identity would pray in these forms. Yet it is also true that no one who is uncertain of his Identity can avoid praying in this way.”
From Song Of Prayer: Prayer, Forgiveness, Healing – Supplements to A Course in Miracles (parentheses added).
When Prayer Fails
So many people have tried prayer and ended up frustrated, because their prayer did not bring results. They pray and what they pray for does not show up. Many, many people have had this experience. Does prayer not work?
Actually prayer does work, and quite reliably. But it must be done correctly…
Why Prayer Fails
Most prayer is prayer that asks for something, and typically for something to be made better. There is prayer for healing, prayer for financial assistance, prayer for help with relationships. Prayer, typically, is prayer for help. And this is the problem.
You already have everything that is needed, and everything that is wonderful. God created you, and upon your creation gave to you fully the kingdom of Heaven. You need for nothing. You lack for nothing.
When you pray for something to be given you, you are praying for something you already possess — because you already have everything.
“These forms of prayer, or asking-out-of-need, always involve feelings of weakness and inadequacy, and could never be made by a Son of God who knows Who he is. No one, then, who is sure of his Identity would pray in these forms. Yet it is also true that no one who is uncertain of his Identity can avoid praying in this way.”
Single Form Of Prayer
There is a prayer form that makes sense. This prayer form says, essentially, help me to remember who I am.
Prayer example: God, heal my mind so that I can know myself as you created me. Because in my creation you gave to me everything that is wonderful and denied me nothing. I am not experiencing this glorious bounty now. I am experiencing lack and loss and suffering. Heal my mind so that I can know the truth of who I am. I have suffered enough now, and I am ready to know the wonderful truth of who I really am.
Do not use the words above exactly when you pray (unless you really want to); come up with your own wording. Your prayer doesn’t have to be a long prayer, not at all. You’re simply asking to remember the truth about yourself. You’re confused. You believe that you’re troubled and lacking and desperate. Let the truth come in, and be healed.
Prayer And Affirmation
Consider trying prayer forms that can be used like affirmations.
Prayer example: I am God’s creation, and I accept my glory.
Prayer example: I am perfect, and totally free from sin. God created me this way.
Prayer example: God created me fully abundant. I have no lack.
Prayer example: I cannot suffer. I come from God.
Prayer example: God created me peaceful and joyous.
Prayer example: God created me free from all problems and pain.
Prayer example: Everything shall be perfect for me. It is God’s will.
Is this prayer, or affirmation? I call it prayer because it accepts you as God’s perfect creation that is peaceful, joyous, and abundant. It also stops the widespread habit of denying the truth of creation, and instead accepts and embraces it. Give yourself credit for who you actually are!
Look at the prayers above again. Do you feel reluctant about saying them? Do you believe they are not true, that they don’t actually apply to you? If so, you are denying yourself and also denying the gifts God has given you. You must stop this denial if you want to experience your gifts, rather than turning your back on them. Accept yourself as God made you and know, finally, your powerful and glorious lineage.
“(Prayer) cannot succeed until you realize that it asks for nothing. How else could it serve its purpose? It is impossible to pray for idols and hope to reach God. True prayer must avoid the pitfall of asking to entreat (to plead for something; to beg). Ask, rather, to receive what is already given; to accept what is already there.”
When To Pray
Pray whenever you should feel the need. The affirmation-like prayers above can be used very regularly. Aside from this a practical, and reasonable, standard is to pray three times per day: morning, afternoon, night.
Use the prayers found on this page if you’d like, but be free to come up with your own praying — praying that doesn’t deny who you are by accepting lack, but seeks to accept the truth according to God’s creation and God’s will.
Arrogance is denying what God created you to be. Humility is accepting God’s truth.
Prayer example: God let me be humble now in your presence, by accepting myself as you actually created me.
Questions And Answers
Questions and answers help everyone to get clear. Do you have questions about what you’ve read here, and how to apply it? Ask them Here.
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