Praying for the Words

Prayer is such a mystery. And when a prayer is answered, how often that response includes what was prayed for within a much larger, and completely unexpected, context.

"Prayer is adjustment," Dr. Kenneth G. Mills often said. I feel that prayer is not so much asking for something wanted as it is a listening, a willingness, a stilling, an opening to realization.

Recently, someone I know called me in much distress. She was upset by something someone had said to her, perhaps in jest, but with overtones that made her uncomfortable. She said she didn't know how to respond to it. Moreover, she was troubled deeply about a situation in her home life.
As she outlined her concerns, I began to pray: "God, give me the right words to say to her."

I'm praying again now for the right words to tell this story, since I don't recall word-for-word how the conversation went. The shared realization that came during that talk was so powerful and so precious, I hesitated at first to even write about it. Yet, if this story can bless, can bring peace to someone and renew their prayer life, then it should be told.

For suddenly the conversation made a turn, and we began to speak of the Truth of Love, of Being. The idea of Principle arose, and of holding fast to the rod of Principle in every circumstance -- the Rod of Right Identification (as Dr. Mills called it), namely that I am not and never can be separated from the Father, from Love, from the Infinite.

Then came the realization. "It's not about [the situation] at all!" she said. "I don't have to fix anything! The Rod is there for my support!"

She said to me, "You did say the right words." And I repeated a favorite phrase, one I have had engraved on a ring I always wear: "I of myself can do nothing. . . 'tis the Father that doeth the work" She replied, "Yes, exactly!" We were taking turns saying "Wow!" laughing and almost crying. "I've got goosebumps," I said. "Me, too!"

My prayer -- without my ever knowing exactly what words should be said but simply allowing the conversation to flow as I continued to pray -- had been answered, and we both had been blessed beyond anything we could have expected. God is good!