Prayer and ACIM
by Hal LaflerQuestion:
Should I stop praying since the world is defined as a dream/illusion by ACIM?
Response:
A few references to prayer: The term "pray without ceasing" is used both in the New Testament and ACIM as well. The "Song of Prayer", an extension of the principles of ACIM, discusses the ladder of prayer and states that in the end "...the only meaningful prayer is to ask to learn how to forgive."
Most of us think that prayer means we begin with ’Dear God’ and end with ‘Amen’. Much of our "praying" is supplication and usually focuses on things and persons in the world. There is a perceived need and we pray to get that need met by various means. This produces a feeling of lack, limitation, or unworthiness when what we think we want or need does not manifest. We then decide that either we have asked incorrectly, or feel that God Himself has denied us what we are asking for, with our own explanation that it "must not be His Will." We are disappointed but decide to "do without" since God's answer is “no”. If this is your idea of prayer, it begs the question: Has this type of prayer worked for you?
Let’s define prayer a little differently. Let’s define prayer as every thought we have and nothing else. Suppose we have elevated our thoughts to the level where we offer our peace to everyone whose gaze we meet. (That's a prayer) Suppose we smile at a person passing by. (That's a prayer) Suppose we offer a hug to a loved one. (That's a prayer) Suppose we respond to a cry for help by offering assistance. (That's a prayer) Suppose, in contrast to the above examples, we judge against someone for whatever reason, distorting their true identity as a child of God. (That's a prayer)
If we recognize that every thought is a prayer, we then attain a quiet certainty that we are continuously communing with our Creator. Our prayers then move up the ladder from supplication and the need to do something to a more declarative nature. An example would be: "The peace of God is shining in me now." This leads us to a quiet certainty and speaks to us in this way: Because of who you are, you have already been given everything and lack nothing, and this is equally true of your brothers. When we think of prayer in this way, we realize that there is a certainty in all prayer.
The answer to your question is that we never stop praying simply because we cannot stop praying, even if we try. Now, I will ask you, what are you praying for?
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In a Course in Miracles Jesus says, "Thoughts increase by being given away. The more who believe in them, the stronger they become." This is a very important teaching in ACIM. It is one of the most important reasons why we gather together on Sunday at 10:30 and throughout the week. Please join us as we share miracle thoughts, set aside our differences and join for a celebration of peace.
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