Prayer, The 1st Step

Are there days when you see everything in your path as an obstacle to
overcome? If so what do you do? Do you rush headlong into a busy day only to think later that a few moments of spiritual preparation would have simplified
the way ahead of you? Do you hurriedly grab hold of circumstances with both
hands and try to impose your will on the whole situation? That was the
approach I used to take, until I finally realized that it really didn't work
very well.
What I eventually came to understand was that prayer should always be the
first step I take in any endeavor at home or in the workplace. I find that
when I pray everything seems to proceed more smoothly, even situations which might otherwise be challenging.
Occasionally my prayers may be on a pray as you go basis, but in those brief
moments, I can accomplish something very important, by taking a deep breath and relaxing, I can remember that my awareness of God is essential in
everything I say, think and do.
When we center ourselves in God, we place ourselves in harmony with all of
God's creation including the spiritual laws that govern it. Briefly focusing
on God in preparation for what lies ahead is beneficial, but we may also need
more extensive respites in which we quietly commune with God and develop a fuller awareness of God's presence in our lives. How simple the process is,
yet what a rich blessing this time can be!
Take a few quiet moments right now, dear friend to rest your body and calm
your mind. Relax your entire being first, from the top of your head to your
neck and shoulders, then from your shoulder all the way out to your
fingertips, and finally, from your neck through your torso and legs and on
down to the tips of your toes. Feel the tension gently vanish. As you breathe
deeply you can let go worrisome thoughts or feelings of doubt and replace
them with thoughts of faith.
By taking this step, you have prepared your heart and mind to open to God to
all that God is and can be in your life. You open yourself to the peace,
love, wisdom, and wholeness that await your individual expression.
Relaxing in the stillness of prayer will help you discover a deep wellspring
of peace within you, one that you can call upon at any time to see you
through any difficulty. Prayer enables you to feel God's presence and to call
forth your inner resources of strength, courage, and serenity.
As you make a point of turning to God often, you will find that you are
becoming more attuned to God's wisdom and direction. These qualities within
you will bring you valuable insights that will pave the way ahead and help
you make sound decisions.
Your quiet periods of prayer lay the groundwork for a closer relationship
with God and with the healing life of God within you. As you bless each cell
and tissue of your body you become more receptive to the receptive to the
vitality and renewed strength that are yours through this healing life.
The time you spend communing with God is like time spent in the company of a close friend, one with whom you can share anything that is in your heart.
Your prayer times will encourage you give you hope, and enable you to free
yourself from any limitation.
Your times of communion with God can inspire you to think about your life in
a more prosperous, positive light. As you share your thoughts with God and
listen with your heart you will be led to a solution for a financial need or
for any other need.
Take the first step to bring the blessings you desire into your life, dear
friend and let every moment you spend in prayer be a time that you will
treasure. As you do may you feel peaceful in the knowledge that God is your
true friend and guide now and always.
AFFIRM: As I open my heart to you dear God. I open myself to your life, peace, wisdom, and prosperity.
From Silent Unity