Make that, Praying in a world of Reason and Proof and Evidence.
Why, How, Can, a person pray and talk with an Unseen, Unheard, Unknown and Unknowable "Entity", when the world is so obviously so able to be Seen and Heard and Known--most of that not very pleasant at all.
Why trust in SomeOne that is so ethereal?
When I am asked this question, the answer has always seemed so simple. Because, I say, I cannot help *but* see the Presence of Divine. It is in the wind in my face, the rain on the trees, the smile of a child, the laughter of friends. It is in the mountains and the rivers.
It is even in the fear of what we must hasten to prevent--we prevent that cold carelessness by ensuring always that we take care of this world and of each other.
I pray because to not pray seems to make everything else pointless indeed. NOT hopeless--I always have hope. But having hope without prayer to me offers nothing to my spirit.
Oh, yes, did I forget to mention that I also fervently believe that we have something within ourselves beyond the obvious physical? Please don't call it the "Force" that binds us together, all respect to the Obi-wan. Although I suppose in "science (fictional) terms that could do. But the Force is so--unfeeling, so neutral. It has no *personality*. The One to Whom I pray is very personal and personable. Of course I think of this person as somewhat "humaniform" but I know in my heart of hearts that "human-form" does not come close.
People who pray, I hasten to say, are not weak, or need crutches. People who pray are quite simply and fundamentally acknowledging that we are far more than what we think we see, and that is as it should be. Especially when humans act according to more base qualities such as anger, hate, desire for power without consequence or power without responsibility--it is valuable to consciously realize that we are more than those base qualities. Prayer may just remind us of that.
Especially when our prayer-practice, or religion, is so often the very cause of us behaving in the most base and heart-breaking manners.
The best prayer, I often think, is a humble, and simple "I am so happy to be alive, thank You to the One who set me here on this spinning globe. Now, what can I do to properly repay that kindness."
Take hold of that kindness, that divine spark of energy, and pay it Forward.
Today.
Right now.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Faith in the 21st century
People will ask if religion is relevant or necessary in this 21st century of technology and science. The question that should truly be asked is if faith is relevant or necessary.
The answer "yes" in response would probably be far more widespread. Everyone, no matter their religion or lack thereof, has faith in something, or in someone. Faith in their ability, their talent, their parent, their lover, their government, their spiritual leader and religion.
Religion is quite simply that method by which each of us might manifest our faith in Someone greater and vaster and more wondrous than our minds can imagine. More often than not, the people of religion(s) become more frantic and frenetic about whether or not that "other" person down the road or across the border, shares their particular religion. Instead, what should be celebrated and rejoiced in is that people of religion are in fact people of faith in that Divine Someone.
Faith should never divide. Religion all too sadly often divides. The G-D by whatever name we use and to Whom however we pray has far more compassion and tolerance than do we. What greater possible proof of our faith could we offer up on our altars and prayer circles than to find the strength and power to come together, in this 21st century of technology, to find skills and talents our G-D gave us to solve every single one of the problems this earth faces.
While anyone on earth goes hungry, has no home, cannot farm food, is hunted to death, lives in fear---our faith is empty and false. If our belief is that G-D created every single one of us, then we have to also believe that G-D will work out the future for every single one of us. In the meantime we should be working out, in full faith and confidence, that we as the creations of G-D how to ensure that each of us has an equal chance to live in full faith and confidence.
To do anything less is religion without faith. Which is no religion at all.
The answer "yes" in response would probably be far more widespread. Everyone, no matter their religion or lack thereof, has faith in something, or in someone. Faith in their ability, their talent, their parent, their lover, their government, their spiritual leader and religion.
Religion is quite simply that method by which each of us might manifest our faith in Someone greater and vaster and more wondrous than our minds can imagine. More often than not, the people of religion(s) become more frantic and frenetic about whether or not that "other" person down the road or across the border, shares their particular religion. Instead, what should be celebrated and rejoiced in is that people of religion are in fact people of faith in that Divine Someone.
Faith should never divide. Religion all too sadly often divides. The G-D by whatever name we use and to Whom however we pray has far more compassion and tolerance than do we. What greater possible proof of our faith could we offer up on our altars and prayer circles than to find the strength and power to come together, in this 21st century of technology, to find skills and talents our G-D gave us to solve every single one of the problems this earth faces.
While anyone on earth goes hungry, has no home, cannot farm food, is hunted to death, lives in fear---our faith is empty and false. If our belief is that G-D created every single one of us, then we have to also believe that G-D will work out the future for every single one of us. In the meantime we should be working out, in full faith and confidence, that we as the creations of G-D how to ensure that each of us has an equal chance to live in full faith and confidence.
To do anything less is religion without faith. Which is no religion at all.
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