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!

Land of Liberty

Yesterday saw a primary election here in Connecticut. I went to vote about 6:30 p.m. and found the polls all but empty; the newspaper later confirmed that fewer than one in three voters had exercised their right to vote. After I marked my ballot, I was given a little sticker to wear that said, "I voted today."

As I left the polls, I felt an interesting mix of emotions. There was something rather like pride, or patriotism, and certainly also gratitude. I am grateful that I live in a country free enough to hold such elections. I can grouse with the best of them about the problems in this country, especially what seems to be the growing power of what President Eisenhower once called "the military-industrial complex," plus all the factors that have contributed to the degradation of our wondrous biosphere. But grateful, yes! God bless America!

I think of the song most Americans probably learned as children: "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. . . ." And the feeling, the insight grows deeper. "My country" -- my home -- the place of security and safety, warmth, nourishment, peace. My Home -- the place beyond all place, beyond time and space -- the infinite, cosmic embrace of Father-Mother God.

"Sweet land of liberty" -- liberty to, yes, and also liberty from. From what? Liberty from the tyranny of the ego-mind, liberty from the many mesmeric aspects of our society and the world of "maya." Liberty from doubt and fear; liberty to live in harmony with the Divine. Liberty from thinking the world picture is all there is; liberty to celebrate the realization that God IS All.

Summer Festival Musings

In attempting to capture the essence of the Summer Festival of Light, Sound and Peace, held this year near Haliburton, Ontario, Canada, I wrote the following:

We are all actors
On God's stage appearing thus.
Love authors the lines.

Listen! Listen! Hear!
This wondrous moment is sung
By Creation's Voice.

Question all beliefs.
Tell me, what have you seen through?
Thoughts are very sheer.

Meditation stills
The ego-mind's chattering.
Watch, and smile at it.

What does this line mean?
Rhythm, balance, harmony --
Life's fire extending.

I remind myself,
I of myself can do naught.
Love performs my task.

What is my purpose?
Find all that you see held fast
In Light's sweet embrace.

Kenneth G. Mills, in a lecture entitled "The Freedom of Love" in his book, The Cornucopia of Substance, states, "It's the Invisible that allows all of this to happen, and that is the miracle of miracles: it becomes visible!"