Replies

PRAYER WARRIOR EFFICIENCY TIPS:

Although I had not read Betty J. Eadie's previous 2 books, several days ago, we purchased her 3rd one, entitled "The Ripple Effect - Our Harvest." (I'm enjoying it very much, so probably I will read the other two now!)

For those not familiar with her work, Betty Eadie is one of the folks who has had a near death experience and written about it. From what I gather, in her first book, "Embraced by the Light," when she crossed to the other side, she was met by Jesus. Apparently her description of His acceptance of her and the enfoldment of her which He gave her is quite vivid. So much so, that many people reading it have felt themselves also to be embraced by Him.

In "Ripples" she is answering questions which people have been posing to her. She has written a chapter on prayer which I found personally to be very helpful. As I read it, I felt moved to share excerpts of it with you. I hope you find it as usable as I have!

Tex
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE POWER OF PRAYER

[From a letter to Betty:]
Your passage about prayer was particularly helpful since I always find myself repeating prayers of begging and wondering if Jesus hears me, or if what I am asking is appropriate. Now I understand that my prayers have been demonstrations of doubt, also. I need to practice faith and patience.
Can the Lord really hear us when we talk to Him? How do we know? Or do we have to pray a certain prayer?

[Betty's answer:]

God so loves his children that he bound this new world of ours to our heavenly home in an unbreakable covenant. Contained in his covenant is the promise to watch over us and to hear and answer our prayers. He promises not to intervene in our lives every time we get into trouble, but to let us work through our problems and stretch our spiritual muscles. And while he lets us act freely, he also prepares the way with experiences perfectly suited for each person's mission and growth. He is constantly involved with us, yearning for us to make the right choices and waiting for us to communicate with him through prayer.

While in the spirit world, I could look in on the earth, just as I might look into another room. Conversations on earth are heard in heaven and understood regardless of language. The Spirit speaks a universal language, deeper and more powerful than voice. It communicates accurately and clearly, piercing through mankind's ignorance or false understandings and recognizing each person's true desires. And I discovered that it is our desires, not the wording or form we use, that provides the energy that makes our prayers effective. Without a desire to connect with God, our prayers become hollow and meaningless. But with true desire, our prayers not only ascend to heaven, but they nurture us as well. They take form as an energy that if visible would be seen to add light to our presence or the aura around us. Our souls glow brighter in prayer as our spirits communicate with the Divine, because we are made more divine by the act of honest communication with the Deity.

Through prayer we bring life to our souls. Not only do we open ourselves to an increased endowment of God's love and light, but we also call down the powers of heaven to overcome trials. In sending up a desparate cry for help, we call angels down to our sides to fight for our cause by adding their energy to ours. By sincerely seeking wisdom, we open ourselves to impressions which can come immediately or at odd moments and provide keys of knowledge which unlock doors of opportunity. By offering heartfelt gratitude and praise to God for his many mercies, we bring down blessings without number because of the ripple effect. As we pour out appreciation to God, we open up space in our lives for new blessings.

Any form of prayer is a personal moment in the presence of God. Verbal prayer is often the most powerful, but prayer can be silent, too. It can be a formal offering at preset times, or it can evolve into a constant state of being, continual meditation that communicates with God at all hours. Christ encouraged his followers to pray without ceasing, meaning our hearts should always be in communication with God. Our thoughts can be prayers, too. There are times when, whatever the attitude of the body, the soul can be on its knees. As prayer warriors, those times would be continuous.

~snip~