 Spiritual: February 23, 2011 Issue [#4256] |
  Spiritual
This week: Pray as the Spirit Moves You Edited by: KimChi  
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| The purpose of this newsletter is to spark discussion on spirituality. As we share our burdens and our blessings, our own beliefs become more clear. |
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 As the Spirit Moves You
"Prayers go up and blessings come down."
~Yiddish proverb
When someone asks for prayers for a sick loved one, I've learned to merely say, "Yes," without explanation. People get antsy about the "correct" way to pray--and the right time for religious discussion is not when we're under stress. I figure God hears all of us. When I'm in trouble, I'm more than happy to accept any prayers or good vibes you have to spare. It's the thought that counts, right?
"A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing."
~unknown
Not everyone feels this way. My mother-in-law claimed you must interlock your fingers to pray. She was Buddhist. My mother, a Baptist, prayed palm to palm. My Father's ancestors prayed with covered heads, while my Mother's prayed with a tobacco pipe. I'm pretty sure God doesn't care how you hold your hands, whether you pray out loud or silently, or even what name you use.
In fact, I'm positive of this. Because when you look at prayer through the ages, it isn't about God at all. It's about you.
Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.
~Soren Kierkegaard
The goal of prayer isn't to pacify a jealous God; it's a way to forge a relationship. "Going through the motions" doesn't make a person closer to God. Prayer is conversation, not mindless repetition. Not that traditional prayers aren't useful--hearing a hundred people in a church chanting, "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who've trespassed against us" still sends shivers down my spine. The same words may not have the same "oomph" at a football game. Because half those people don't mean it; they're reciting what they learned in church years ago.
"By my definition, prayer is consciously hanging out with God. Being with God in a deliberate way."
~Malcolm Boyd
By my definition, prayer is personal. Some pray on their knees or beside an altar. Sometimes I pray with my whole body--because feelings of thanksgiving and joy spill over, and it takes my hips and legs as well as my voice to express that love and gratitude.
In a closet, on the street, with a whisper or a shout. God hears.
How do you pray?
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If the Spirit moves you, why not send a rating or review? 
My God on High - I stand with Thee
In wisdom You convey.
You gave us all an open mind
To seek and find our way.
Man's paths were formed within a course;
We sought religions to enforce
Our understanding of The Source -
The One to Whom we pray...
When it came time to pray, I wasn't prepared.
I was feeling the pressure as everyone stared.
Spirits hear me, answer my prayer
I don't ask for much, just unity shared
Grant me wisdom and make my heart soar again
Hear the prayer of this Indian
"Lord, I need to hear from you. Please speak to me." That's what we say, but He can't seem to speak loud enough for some of us to hear Him. It's like He's speaking to everyone but us. Is He? Or is it that we're just not listening?
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.
Elisabeth knew the childish refrain was wrong. Two words can decimate a world; two tiny syllables could call your entire life into question - could wring your heart until you wondered if you deserved to live at all.
|  | Blessed Be (E)
A blend of Yin and Yang, 3rd place Lexi's Poetry Challenge round 36
#1227814 by KimChi |
Inhale the rainbow mist of your Mother's faith...
stir this belief in a peaceful soul.
As ancestors wend to each shimmering end,
exhale a silvery skein to the old.
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