Prayer.

My experience of prayer is that when you pray (usually for others) you put your mind into a state which is totally benevolent - a kind of blessing - and in this state you become merged with God - a kind of communion.

In this state we wish others well :

that they recover or be made whole (from illness),
that they be helped in their troubles,
that they be comforted (in sorrow),
that they be strengthened,
that they be protected (from danger),
that they be soothed in their pain,
that they be relieved of suffering.....

Some prayers are for improvements in the world :

more love,
more compassion,
more understanding,
peace,
generosity,
wisdom.....

Can we say that these are also God's wishes?

"'Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'"  Matthew 5:48 (NRSV)

God is sublime, serene, subtle - more refined than us - spiritual rather than spirit.

One of the definitions of the word holy is - free from sin and evil = all good = perfect.

"do not devise evil in your hearts against one another"  Zechariah 8:17a (NRSV)

Our task is to become more benevolent, more spiritual.

The yogis say that you become more refined as you develop and progress.

So, far from being indifferent or ambiguous, God is all good.

"'Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.'"  Luke 6:27 (NRSV)

Become a living blessing to all.
Wish even those who hurt you well.

Then you will be like God.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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