Article February 17, 2014 Issue

Prayer and the yearning to be authentic

Melanie Wahlberg

This article was originally published as a Web original on December 23, 2013.

So many of us are seeking authentic connections these days—with family, friends, and co-workers, or in our prayer-life with God. In my community (and I don’t think we’re the exception), people tend to be rather busy. The relationships that are able to last and flourish are usually those that offer a satisfying connection to meaningful ideas, personal support, or spiritual inspiration. I have found God to be a reliable source of these comforts, and prayer to be the means for gaining them.

Usually when I sit down to pray, I begin by affirming the truth about God and life, like this: “God, divine Love, is ever present. Man is the reflection of God,” and then denying error, such as: “There is no power or substance apart from God. So man is not material but spiritual.” At first, it seems like I’m mentally putting sentences together. But as I begin to feel more of how this really is the essence of our lives, there often comes a welcome shift in thought. Instead of praying about divine Mind or divine Love, it feels more like I’m receiving thoughts from Mind and Love. Instead of trying to make something happen, I start rejoicing in how good spiritual reality already is.

Frankly, I love it when this happens. I don’t feel alone, but instead feel a sense of connection to God so tangible that whatever I began praying about is overwhelmed by gratitude and humble joy. Of course the connection was always there. I just needed fresh inspiration to be aware of it.