Prayer is a way of life. It is a direction of listening, of receiving, of being attuned with the Spirit. In prayer, giving and receiving merge. The Answer comes as a presence, an experience of being One with that which we are asking. The form of the prayer is secondary… it is the intention, the motivation that truly matters.
When the prayer is giving honor, in true humility, it is known deeply that “I of myself”, “I by myself”, “I apart from You” am nothing - truly nothing. In this realization, this separate “I” identity, this separate state holds no interest at all.
In this relinquishment of self, perceived problems dissolve, a deeper understanding of what is believed can be seen, and specific guidance can be received that once again brings awareness of a higher perspective. Regardless of the specifics, it is through the direction of inner listening; through asking of the Spirit or of God, that we receive the one Answer that is deeply desired within our heart.
Cultivate desire, interest, and full attention on God. Allow your mind to be purified, “God I desire only being with you, and therefore serving You. And in this Yes from within my Heart, I will do what you would have me do. Be where You would have me be. I would give this awareness, this Gift where You would have it be Given, in the way in which You would have it be Given. Because it is Yours, it is the extension of who You are. Who am I to control or direct your extension?”
In true prayer, all that is desired is given, because in this awareness of union with God’s will, God is the Love, the Joy, the Light, the Fulfillment, the Beauty, the Radiance, the Life that was longed for. Prayer is absolute fulfillment.
“I once had a thousand desires,
But in my one desire to know you
all else melted away.
The pure essence of your being
has taken over my heart and soul.
Now there is no second or third,
only the sound of your sweet cry.
Through your grace I have found
a treasure within myself.
I have found the truth of the Unseen world.
I have come upon the eternal ecstasy.
I have gone beyond the ravages of time.
I have become one with you!
Now my heart sings,
“I am the soul of the world.” Rumi
With Love, Kirsten www.kirstenbuxton.org/monastery
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