Prayer as protest

Spiritual resource to share:  power of good
 

From the civil rights movement in the 60’s to the falling of the Berlin wall to recent events in Egypt and the Middle East, prayer is oftentimes the muscle behind the movements that have blessed mankind. However,  sometimes prayer is  portrayed as a tool for dominating others or even just simply  wishful thinking. 

But Mary Baker Eddy wrote that “Desire is prayer… ”  Our deepest desire  is prayer that goes beyond material comforts and personal recognition to the spiritual – our desire to realize  our innate freedom, joy, intelligence, love and productivity.  For that reason, prayer is a protest against anything that would undermine the expression of those spiritual ideals.

Christ Jesus’s healing works were based on  his "...humble prayers (that) were deep and conscientious protests of  Truth,--of man's likeness to God and of man's unity with Truth and Love. ”

This conversation (below) played out on my facebook wall talking about the situation in Madison where tens of thousands of protesters are fighting against a controversial bill regarding collective bargaining rights and unions.  It speaks of the fears and hopes of many:

W: As the subtitle of the Christian Science Monitor article explains, the union protesters are "defending their most cherished ideals. " As history shows us, that takes more than prayer. Jesus himself did far more than praying. Oh, but I wish mere praying would solve the problem. I am quite frankly, scared. Perhaps I'm scared because I know too much (Ph.D. in political science, J.D. in law). Very scared 

P: As far as protest and prayer, I think that true protest IS a prayer and is really nothing without it; anger has absolutely nothing to do with it. Clearly there is great need for reform in many areas and these are all opportunities to come together in the spirit of Love and unity to work these things out... that's the spirit I'll be going to the protests in tomorrow :)

K: W, I'm so glad to be connecting with you again! You got me thinking about prayer. To me, there is no such thing as mere prayer. Prayer (going beyond denomination) is aligning thought with the power of Love, of Truth and of Principle. Thought imbued with this prayer is the basis for all actions that have brought peaceful, productive and progressive results.

Fear, blame, power struggles, frustration and posturing will not accomplish anything of substance.  (Have they ever?)

Our deep and conscientious protests of Truth can affirm the power of good and affirm every person’s ability to reflect integrity, humility and love for our fellowman.  That is power.  And that is the foundation for a solution that will be a blessing.

prayer for Wisconsin - breaking through the quagmire

Spiritual resource to share: prayer - a steadying influence and a door to solutions

This just came in today and the following post is the reply for all of us in Wisconsin and beyond: 

...It seems that God isn't shining through nearly enough in our Wisconsin state government's leaders lately....

 I'm wondering if you're planning to offer any healing thoughts on your blog soon about the current Wisconsin government impasse. It seems that a lot of right thinking is needed to bring resolution to this situation! ...

 Any thoughts you can offer to help me and everyone else help to heal this situation would be much appreciated. .... By the way, I am a fellow Wisconsinite and love this state, and dearly want to see peace and prosperity restored.

Many of us in Wisconsin have been stirred deeply by the current government impasse.

It is in our face - we need to cut through the quagmire of emotionally held political stances and lift thought above the flurry of anger and accusation. We are all looking for a steadying influence to sweep away the drama and reveal practical steps toward a resolution.

This post will not be talking about the right or wrong of political actions, but will talk about the power of prayer to be that steadying influence that helps to reveal the just and right solution.

In our prayer, we recognize one infinite God.  What does this do and why is this relevant?

"One" – recognizes that we are all under the government of a unifying power of One: one Love, one Truth; we have no enemies, no strangers, no outsiders as the children of one God

"Infinite" – God is infinite and is reflected in an infinite number of ways.  Our patience, compassion, ability to love is broad and deep.  We accept the diversity of God’s creation under the one government of Love and Truth.  We accept that there are infinite possible solutions.

"God" – who is Love itself: the source of all that is substantial in our lives; the source of all meaning.  We each have a direct connection to Love and every one is constantly connected to and moving in harmony with Love.

Evil is not a person, place or thing.  Intelligent dialogue and care is obstructed when emotions run high.  When evil is given a name, a place or a thing, it would seem to give it more power.  But God, supreme over all its creation, did not make one person evil and another good; God did not make Wisconsin a chaotic out-of-control place, God did not make a legislative bill capable of splitting and dividing His people into two opposing camps.  One infinite God counters the falsehood that evil can be a person, place or thing.

Listening to the still, small voice of God.  Freedom and justice are not won by warfare, but by lifting ourselves above the turmoil to see the supremacy of justice and Truth.  Truth is not helpless and justice is not a variable human condition. Freedom to a full and abundant life is everyone’s right.  Taking time to pray, to ground oneself in the presence of God will do much to help pour oil on the waters of distress. 

Our trust in Truth to assert itself helps calm the thought and enables us to see possibilities and solutions where an impasse seemed to be the only possibility.

What can you do now? 

Pray – practice the stillness that lets in Love and affirm God’s intelligent care, constant communication and ever-present Truth.

Refuse to believe that chaos has control.  Refuse to add to the turmoil.

Heal the slightest irritation you have now.  This dominion over hatred, however small, helps you experience the Principle of Love that ends all hatred and fear.  The love expressed here and now adds to the atmosphere of peace that is contagious.

This situation is not bigger than God and God is able to calm the stormy sea and to bring blessings and righteousness to all.

God is All-in-all and why this matters

Spiritual resource to share:  unity in diversity




I was thinking over the idea that is shared over a dozen times in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.  "God is All-in-all."  So I did what every good 21st century thinker would do.  I googled it.


"All in all" is used to express when we take everything into account, once we have considered all sides of an issue, or wrap things up with a final analysis.


But it goes much deeper than that.  I came across several essays searching for truth in Milton's Paradise Lost and his other writings. 


Milton's quote was the only other quote on my search that even came close to "All-in-all."  Milton wrote "God shall be All in All." This means that God is the omnipotent, omnipresent Oneness.  Unity, the essayist explained, need not involve a loss of uniqueness, but embraces individuality and diversity in an ultimate Oneness.


Here are some of Eddy's ideas with God as All-in-all:


The maximum of good is the infinite God and His idea, the All-in-all.



The starting-point of divine Science is that God, Spirit, is All-in-all, and that there is no other might nor Mind,--that God is Love, and therefore He is divine Principle.



The Scriptures imply that God is All-in-all. From this it follows that nothing possesses reality nor existence except the divine Mind and His ideas . 



Most notable is the use of All-in-all in the "Scientific Statement of Being," from Science and Health which reads in part: "There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter.  All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all." 


All right then.  This all jives.  So why is it important that we know this?


It takes some thought at times for me to consider just how large the idea of God is.  That God is All, yes.  But to understand that this Allness encompasses the most infinitesimal and intimate details as well as the grandest, most expansive and infinite ideas, is to understand God's supremacy.


It follows then because God is infinite  - the ultimate Oneness -  God is the umbrella that maintains and sustains all individualities, and embraces all diversities of gifts.


Does that mean that you and I are all the same?  No - we are proof of infinite God.  Like individual numbers proving the existence of a higher mathematics,  we are God's reflection shown in infinite diversity.


Once I can wrap my thoughts around this, I find it easier to heal.  Why?  Because it's been proved and reasoned out that the one Mind governs all. No one is left out of health, wholeness and abundance.


It gives me a foundation for church - that I can expect and see unity amongst differing ideas and practices.


It gives me hope. I can understand how God loves all the wide diversity called mankind.  The tenderness with which I know God, is the same tenderness God pours out to all Her children.


God is All-in-all.

a love song for the day

Spiritual resource to share: favorite love songs

Just wanted to share this gorgeous song with you all.  Click here to get there. Enjoy - and don't forget to share your favorite love song at the end!

K.d. Lang - "Simple" Lyrics  (K.D. Lang/David Pitch)


Flawless light in a darkening air
Alone...and shining there 

Love
will not elude you
Love is simple 

I worship this tenacity
And the
beautiful struggle we're in 

Love will not elude us
Love is simple 

Be
sure to know that
All in love
Is ours 

And love, as a philosophy
Is
simple 

I am calm in oblivion
Calm, as I ever have been
Love will not
elude me
Love is simple 

Be sure to know that
All in love
Is
ours...
Is ours...
That all in love
Is ours 

And love, as 
philosophy
Is simple...
And ours...

To share your thoughts on this or to explore this idea further, please feel free to be in contact with me, add your own comments below, email this article to a friend, or add to the healing finds and sites on the web to the right.

Egypt’s victory is our victory

Spiritual resource to share:  spiritual breakthrough

For days now, the calls for prayers in the Tahrir Square have been joined by thousands of prayers throughout the world. I’ve been loving, praying and thinking through the events of the last few days of Egypt’s historic breakthrough toward freedom and democracy and its impact on the world community. And now, such a release of hope and possibilities, such celebration!

I realized the very principles that were behind this demonstration are principles that happen whenever there is a breakthrough towards greater good. There is much to be grateful in Egypt’s persistent and courageous and effective demand for freedom. Why do we celebrate with Egypt? Because it affirms the declaration of independence from all oppression. And this is something we can all prove in different degrees.

We can claim our own breakthroughs to freedom, whether we are struggling with a sense of depression within ourselves, at work or in the larger arenas of life. Here’s a few ideas about the thought forces that are at work in any breakthrough.

Freedom – what it is

• The removal of anything that would try to divide, restrict or limit a right idea.
• The right to a full uninterrupted expression of our grandest hopes, our unlimited creativity, our deepest compassion, our keen intelligence and our broadest aspirations.

 Protest – what it does

•  Identifies and calls out from hiding that which restricts, limits or divides
•  Brings into sharp focus whatever would obstruct justice

Depression/Oppression – what it tries to do

• Claims that there is a power outside of omnipotent God, good
• Claims the other so-called power is imbalanced, deteriorating or otherwise limiting power to only one person or thing, leaving others with little or no power
• Perpetuates the victim/perpetrator dynamic 

Progress – where we are going

• We go forward; there are no retrograde steps. The new direction does not include the past.
• We recognize that what has been conquered no longer exists.
• We protect our progress by refusing to go back to positions outgrown and we refuse to go back to the victim/perpetrator model by flipping our roles

Continuing prayer for Egypt and for mankind

Hatred, envy, revenge, love of personal power cannot overwhelm the growing understanding we have of our God-given freedom.

Hatred, envy, etc., have no power of their own, but relies on the power we give it. So we don’t give it power: we don’t animate hatred; we don’t give voice to envy; and we don’t occupy our thought with ruminating scenarios of revenge.

  

We recognize what true power is- the energy and force of omnipotent God. God’s synonyms are Love, Truth and Life. These ideas are self-assertive and transforming. Love harmonizes, Truth purifies and establishes, and Life is constantly, persistently growing. Goodness is inevitable.

  

Eqypt’s breakthrough is our breakthrough, helping us move forward confidently into a new day, a new government, a more inclusive and life-affirming journey that embraces all mankind.





To read about more anti-regime movements in the Middle East, start here: As Mubarak resigns, Yemenis call for a revolution of their own Thousands of secessionists protested in Yemen today in an example of how disparate movements across the Middle East are tapping the anti-regime fervor for their own disparate aims.
Also read Egypt's revolution redefines what is possible in the Middle East.
For a spiritual perspective, read  A spiritual view of Egypt in transition

Not fitting in? Not true.

Spiritual resource to share:  companionship


Let’s just get right to it. If you are dealing with the anxiety of not fitting in (or feeling lonely, displaced, or alienated), there is a remedy at hand.

Counter the reasons for feeling isolated with the infinite reasons for joy
Perhaps you have been labeled as having some medical condition or disability; or an unwanted divorce or death has forced or you to go from married to single; you feel no one likes you or understands you; or your race, sex, orientation, culture, religion, education, family history, politics or values put you at odds with a majority of people in a certain group.

There are lots of seemingly good reasons to feel isolated. But there are infinite ways to counter and finally dismiss the feeling of not fitting in, replacing it with a peace and satisfaction that is natural and normal that leads to satisfying companionship.

Breaking up the destructive patterns of thought with light
Loneliness and isolation can go deep into thought, creating patterns of thinking that need to be rooted out and replaced with the natural force of God’s all-inclusive Love. God, Love’s characteristic is omni-present, so Love is right here, right now. Loneliness and isolation are unknown to God, just as darkness is unknown to light.

Note that ruminating thoughts are like a broken record, suggesting over and over again the same thing. This is key to identifying a self-destructive thought – it is not creative, it is not progressive, it is not comforting. And because of this, we know that it is not of God. The thoughts of God come naturally to us.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3: 17

The self-corrective and self-assertive nature of Life and Love
Christian Science teaches that God is Life, and Life asserts itself. Thoughts of Life (or God) are identified by movement, progress, freshness and originality.

God is Truth. Thoughts of Truth establish themselves and are identified by peace, permanence, purity.

God is Love. Thoughts of Love are identified by the harmonizing influence felt in relationships, in our bodies and in our actions. When we accept and yield to God’s government, (or being governed by the laws of God, Love) we can see the likeness of progress, peace, and companionship, etc. everywhere.

Heredity is no basis for feeling isolated
When a destructive pattern of thought enters consciousness, it fights for expression. Self-doubt or disease may try to justify itself by human history. The feeling that your parents/family/ancestors struggled with destructive pattern of thought can be countered by rightly identifying yourself AND others, not as products of ruminating fears, but as solid, progressive and loving reflections of an infinite God.

Never separated from Love
The belief that you can be separated from Life, from Truth or from Love is – at its basis a limited and divisive belief – characteristic of matter. It takes some pretty sneaky and subtle suggestions to believe that a person can operate outside of Life, when a person IS life. The very fact that that person is living is a direct expression of Life! All is Life and Love. The very nature of Love is inclusive.

Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it.

The recurring thought that you are vulnerable or easily influenced (or easily hurt by other’s actions or reactions) can be countered by understanding that there are not many little minds vying for position, but one Mind, governing all Christian Science explains the provable or scientific nature of Love. And it goes further…

A knowledge of the Science of being develops the latent abilities and possibilities of man. It extends the atmosphere of thought, giving mortals access to broader and higher realms. It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity.

Infinite possibilities exist now
We can overcome this belief of “not fitting in” which is a cover for the subtle suggestion that life is a series of mishaps, conflicts and dis-ease. God has given us the authority and the intelligence to discern our rightful role in Life.

God has given us not the spirit of fear, but of power and of a sound mind.

Overcome any sense of inferiority or isolation by knowing and being alert to any claims of limitation and division AND by knowing the superiority of Life, of Truth and of Love.

Remember Jesus' words, "The kingdom of God is within you." This spiritual consciousness is therefore a present possibility.

Infinite ways to experience companionship now
We are never alone. Always companioned by good, constructive, and satisfying ideas, we can move forward confidently, expecting to see the reflection of good in every thing we think and do. Go ahead. Express Love. Be kind to the next person you meet. Write that letter of gratitude to an old friend or mentor. Offer to help out your neighbor. Love, companionship, and satisfaction are right where you are.



For more background on Christian Science, read the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy online or purchase here.

protection of prayer in Egypt

Spiritual resource to share: living your truth

These pictures were taken off of a site showing Christians guarding Muslims in prayer.  (Egypt's Coptic Christians use the tattoed cross on their inner wrist to identify themselves as Christians.  Read here for more info.)


There is not much to add to a picture like this.  Thousands are praying for a peaceful restoration of order and right government.  This picture of unselfish courageand the desire to protect others inspires me to step out and add my prayer. 

The prayer that I want to share is one that has been prayed for millenia.  It is a song of hope and safety: Psalm 91 


Background on the 91st Psalm from Resources for your Ministry:


"Luther said of Psalm 91, “This is the most distinguished jewel among all the psalms of consolation.” It is not certain who authored its words (David, Moses?), but we do know that this is a psalm for times of danger. Still, it is cheerful and full of comfort, unlike Psalm 90 which is somber and full of concern. The psalmist is encouraging both himself and his audience of the wisdom of trusting the Most High God, for He is able to protect us from any danger....  It all results in a statement of strong confidence in the care of the Lord—in all the circumstances of life— and calls us to rest in Him."

Psalm 91 (New International Version, ©

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you

from the fowler’s snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”

and you make the Most High your dwelling,

no harm will overtake you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

"the calm, strong currents of true spirituality"

Spiritual resource to share: putting trends into perspective

I am a self-proclaimed trendoid.  I am fascinated with new developments in thought, innovation, and the way social mores are formed.  I like to track what I consider to be the spiritual evolution of mankind, and in so doing, I read, collect and research what is meaningful in popular thought.

There is an important distinction, however.  Trends are an effect, not the cause of any spiritually significant progress. Similar to the way I don't look at a healthy body to determine my spiritual health, but seek to understand the supremacy of God, Spirit, and that understanding results in a harmonious body. 

So trends can be a sign, sometimes elusive, sometimes quite telling, that the spiritualization of thought is progressing. 

Mary Baker Eddy writes a bold, scientific statement of being  which says in part "...man is not material, he is spiritual."  And consciousness is slowly moving from a material basis to a spiritual basis.

Opinions, emotions, denominationalism drop away as we see the rational, logical and harmonizing influence of true spirituality.  It is our spirituality that propels us forward.  And progress requires us to continue to nurture our spirituality.  Mary Baker Eddy writes "the calm, strong currents of true spirituality, the manifestations of which are health, purity, and self-immolation, must deepen human experience, until the beliefs of material existence are seen to be a bald imposition, and sin, disease, and death give everlasting place to the scientific demonstration of divine Spirit and to God's spiritual, perfect man."

Albert Einstein, in an address at the Princeton Theological Seminary on May 19, 1939, and in an address presented at The Conference on Science, Philosophy and Religion in 1940 said, “The further the spiritual evolution of mankind advances, the more certain it seems to me that the path to genuine religiosity does not lie through the fear of life, and the fear of death, and blind faith, but through striving after rational knowledge.”

And that's what I look for when researching trends: the rational knowledge and practices that point to the spiritual evolution of mankind.

Another wonderfully good read:
Mark Swinney's The Next 90 Years from spirituality.com