Prayer is a way offered by the Holy Spirit to reach God. It is not merely a question or an entreaty. It 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. Ask, rather, to receive what is already given; to accept what is already there.
You have been told to ask the Holy Spirit for the answer to any specific problem, and that you will receive a specific answer if such is your need. You have also been told that there is only one problem and one answer. In prayer this is not contradictory. There are decisions to make here, and they must be made whether they be illusions or not. You cannot be asked to accept answers which are beyond the level of need that you can recognize. Therefore, it is not the form of the question that matters, nor how it is asked. The form of the answer, if given by God, will suit your need as you see it. This is merely an echo of the reply of His Voice. The real sound is always a song of thanksgiving and of Love.
You cannot, then, ask for the echo. It is the song that is the gift. Along with it come the overtones, the harmonics, the echoes, but these are secondary. In true prayer you hear only the song. All the rest is merely added. You have sought first the Kingdom of Heaven, and all else has indeed been given you. (A Course in Miracles, S-1.I.1-3)
As we seek to apply the principles of A Course in Miracles in our daily life, asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance can seem confusing. How do we ask for help? What should we ask for?
In the ACIM supplement, The Song of Prayer, we are provided with help in understanding true prayer. The key to prayer for help is willingness to set aside our ideas of what the answer should look like. These ideas come from the ego, which always seeks forms to satisfy its perceived needs. These forms are always a limit on Love. True prayer seeks to join with unlimited Love.
While we believe we are in the dream of separation, answers to true prayer will come in a form that helps us let go of our limits on Love. These answers will help us bring into focus the ever-present Love beyond all form. The answer may look like a new job, a transformed relationship, a holy instant of forgiveness. These are reflections or echos of recognizing and joining in Love. Our heart’s desire is to remember that we are Love and nothing else. We truly want to see only the innocence of Christ in everyone. True prayer is a means to welcome this vision.
© Copyright 2018, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice is included.
Has this page been helpful to you?
Your contribution in support of this site is greatly appreciated. To make a tax deductible contribution or become a member online, go to http://www.pathwaysoflight.org/polshop/home.php?cat=254.
Or send a check or money order to Pathways of Light, 6 Oak Court, Ormond Beach, FL 32174-2623 (USD only, please) Thank you for your support.