Prayer - 2 

In scientific terms these are significant results, and show that the mind can influence living matter.

How this may come about is, of course, the big question. In prayer, we invoke change by using thought, sometimes accompanied by the sound of our voice. Both thought and thought/sound go out into the ether, carrying their vibrational patterns, and causing change. The emotion behind the thought gives an additional charge to the vibrational pattern. Perhaps all this can be picked up or received by higher beings, who operate outside our usual visual range and physical realm.

These celestial messengers may be angels or guardian spirits, who transmit  - by ever finer vibrations - to the next realm and beyond, until our thought makes contact with the universal whole or God. Perhaps God hears our tiny voice in the ether, with no messengers in between. These things remain a mystery.

Science is equally mysterious though. After years of experiments exploring notions around John Stewart Bell's theorem - which states that reality is non-local - physics now claim that subatomic particles that were once in contact always remain in contact, even if on opposite sides of the universe or planet. This can be measured because a change in one such particle elicits the same change in the other, whatever the distance, and instantaneously. If we all came from the same atomic source, even a very long time ago, we are all related to the ultimate source - which some call God. Some subatomic  molecules are now more related to others, but ultimately, we all came form the same place.

Is it then possible to conceive that - to varying degrees  - all molecules of the universe have this bizarre  (but natural) ability to communicate instantaneously with each other, and act upon each other?  We've heard it in theology and poetry  -' that we are all brothers and sisters under the skin' - but now science is now working towards proving it true.

The word 'pray' derives from the Latin word precare, to entreat. This word carries a humble, supplicatory connotation, and in times of great need we may appeal to God in some desperation. More usually though, prayer is like talking to a good friend on the telephone, a reassuring, happy time. The difference is that, unlike any human friend, the friend at the end of the universal telephone line knows everything about us anyway, so there's no point in trying to hide anything and we can be totally frank and honest.

Prayers are not always answered. Earthquakes, tidal waves, tornadoes and hurricanes sweep the planet and cause loss of life and destruction, despite prayers. People become ill and die, although they lead exemplary lives and are needed here on earth. These facts have deeply disturbed people, and given rise to much spiritual despair.

Like many others, I have explored these questions through various spiritual traditions : some of which explain it by karmic law and reincarnation; others by divine retribution and 'the sins of the fathers'; others believe that God does not intercede in the lives of individual people; while some think in terms of 'life lessons', or 'their purpose being served'.

The natural events are fairly easy to understand, as the planet - upon which we all depend - must be allowed to move and breathe at its own pace. It takes precedence over us. As for unwell people, that is the mystery - not surprisingly as we can't see the whole picture. If we knew everything , perhaps even their suffering would make sense. Plus a good deal of suffering is brought upon oneself or is the result of other human beings acting on us - 'it's all people's fault', and God punishes us collectively.

All this is very difficult, but, if nothing else, it makes us question things, including what we do to our selves, to other people, and the planet. This dynamic may work like this; if there is a cluster of child leukaemia cases in a particular location, society questions the cause and a nearby nuclear plant is thought to be the source of contamination and its closure is recommended.

In the short term, the planet may benefit. Although the children and their parents might think they are suffering alone, we are thinking of them and they are providing the fuel of determination  which drives many an anti-pollution campaign.This is just an example of cause and effect, the parameters of which are difficult for individual sufferers to see.

There are many other such examples, and examples of suffering which seem totally needless.

But there may be factors in the equation we cannot guess at, even perhaps that which we tell our children when someone dies: The angels needed them.'

Given that not all questions or prayers can be answered, prayer still offers many benefits. It gives people peace and spiritual upliftment; offers hope for good health and help in all forms; a chance to express thanks for our blessings; the space to question ourselves or our situation; and the courage to change.

In prayer, we arrive at a quite place, a place of spirit. This place is in our hearts, there when we need it, and it has been a sanctuary for many people on this earth who have suffered greatly - as hostages or when under torture, for example - who say that being able to escape to that place of prayer was the thing that pulled them through.

it's easier to contact the higher vibrational beings when we have the atmosphere, the peace and relaxation, when no everyday thoughts crowd our minds and we can be still; for it is in the stillness that God's love and peace can be felt. And, perhaps, in that stillness we can hear the voice.

Reference: The Fragrant Heavens / Valerie Ann Worwood