Prayer (Addendum to Lesson 71)

In Lesson 71, we are introduced to prayer. Here we asked to use specifics in our communication with God (e.g., “ What would you have me do?”). Later we are told that using words and symbols is meaningless.

“God does not understand words, for they were made by separated minds to keep them in the illusion of separation. Words can be helpful, particularly for the beginner, in helping concentrations and facilitating the exclusion, or at least the control, of extraneous thoughts. Let us not forget, however, that words are but symbols of symbols. They are but twice removed from reality.” (M-21.1:7-10)

Furthermore, Jesus states in the Song of Prayer that asking for specifics is to reinforce the ego’s belief in scarcity, and strengthen the feelings of weakness and inadequacy and thus asking God to join us there.

“The secret of true prayer is to forget the things you think you need. To ask for the specific is much the same as to look on sin and then forgive it (forgiveness to destroy). Also in the same way, in prayer you overlook your specific needs as you see them, and them go into God’s hands. There they become your gifts to him. For the tell Him that you would have no gods before Him, no Love but His. What could His answer be but your remembrance of Him? Can this be traded for a bit of trifling advice about a problem of an instant’s duration? God answers only for eternity. But still all little answers are contained in this” (S-1.1.4).

We are asking God for specifics (relationships, things, jobs, recognition, what to do, and etc) because we are uncertain of our identity. In Lesson 71, Jesus , however, tells us that it is OK to be specific at this stage of our development. He is talking to us in “baby’s language” because we are just beginning to learn how to communicate with God (and ourselves). In later stages of growth, specifics become unnecessary.

“Prayer has no beginning and no end. It is a part of life. But it does change in form, and grow with learning until it teaches its formless state, and fuses into total communication with God.
… These forms of prayer, or asking out of need [i.e. asking for specifics; asking to destroy] always involve feelings of weakness and inadequacy, and could never be made by a Son of God who know Who he is. No one then, who is sure of his Identity could pray in these forms. “ (S-1.II.1:1-2:3)