Prayer And Religion: Prayer Isn’t A Religious Thing, It’s Thought

Posted on September 14, 2009 
Filed Under Effective Thinking, Prayer & Meditation

Have you ever really thought about prayer – what it is, or why and how it might work? Most people don’t; they simply live their lives with the same simple understanding they were given as children: “Prayer is when you talk to God.” The biggest problem with that is the limited understanding of a child. Children don’t consider that “talking” is a way of converting our thoughts into vibrations in order to share those thoughts with others; nor do they truly understand the concept of a God that is “All things.” Consequently, most children grow up to be adults with childlike understanding and unfulfilled lives – simply because they don’t understand the most basic principle of life: “As you think, so it is done to you.” Prayer isn’t a religious thing, it is thought; and the way you think will determine the life you live – no matter what religion you subscribe to.

I once had a conversation about prayer with a very religious young man who, after a great deal of discussion about the mind and the power of our thoughts, asked to me, “But you do believe your prayers are answered because of your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, don’t you?” I grew up in a Christian household, going to Christian churches; and I understand the importance of a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” to the Christian church and those who are invested in it. But the complete lack of conscious thought and understanding in that way of thinking never hit me as strongly as it did that day. At first I thought, “Have you not heard anything I said?” and then I realized that most devoutly religious people are relying on their memory of the things they have been told before – at home and in religious settings – by people they trusted and believed (or were afraid not to believe).

My answer to this man’s question is something that all Christians should consider. Believe what you wish to believe; but don’t let your beliefs blind you to the truth of who you are. Christians aren’t the only people who pray. Prayer was not invented by Christians; nor was it invented by the Church or any religion or religious establishment. Prayer takes many forms – even inside a Christian church. If God is Omnipresent (All things and all places), where exactly are you directing your words or thoughts? If God is Omniscient (All knowing), why vainly repeat the same rituals – or continue to state the obvious? Jesus taught, “As a man thinketh, so it is done to him,” and, “It is done to you according to your beliefs.” If you don’t believe the words He said, you will only get what the world around you gives you. Unfortunately, we have been led to believe that, “Believe in me,” means, “Believe the stories others tell about me,” rather than, “Believe the things I say and the stories I tell about YOU.” Jesus said, “You will do these things and much greater,” and, “All things are possible to he who believes.” Do you really believe this?

Obviously, if your efforts to create or find happiness in your life have been thwarted, or unsuccessful thus far, it is probably easier to cling to a dogma you were given by others than it is to ponder the mysteries of the mind as taught by Jesus and other great spiritual leaders who have always told us, “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be.” It is easier to memorize stories and follow rules than it is to accept personal responsibility for your own life and the thoughts that create it. It is easier because the world is full of people willing to tell you what to think, what to believe, what to say and what to do. But it is also more difficult – more painful and unfulfilling. Thoughts are things; and you are responsible for yours and the things they create. All wise people know this. All religions teach this. This wisdom, in fact, predates religion and has always been taught by the wisest among us.

If you want to keep believing that, in order to have your prayers (thoughts/desires) “heard” and answered, you must believe certain stories or have a personal relationship with a specific entity, then do that. Likewise, if you want to believe that, even if you meet the above criteria, there’s no guarantee that your prayer will be answered, and if it is, there’s no guarantee that the answer will be, “Yes,” then by all means do that. But, if you’re doing all of this because you are a Christian, consider that Jesus was a Jew and He was speaking to and teaching Jews and Gentiles alike the same wisdom that had been taught in their holy texts for thousands of years before anyone could have had a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Prayer works because it is thought. Good thoughts are seeds for good fruits; which is why Jesus said things such as, “Fear not; be of good cheer,” “Judge not,” “Do unto others…,” and “As you thinketh, so it is done to you.” Consider these things. Then, consider your constant mind set and the life that it has created. Finally, if you want to change your life, simply change your mind and the thoughts you entertain.

If these words have upset you, angered you, or caused you fear or consternation, just remember that Jesus had the same effect on most of the people he shared this wisdom with; they already had a religion and religious beliefs they lived by, and these words were shockingly different from the interpretations they had been taught their entire lives by their own religious leaders. In fact, the very people Jesus was trying to help and enlighten sought to harm him many of the times He spoke these words. Further, it was this “clarification” of ancient holy teachings that caused the church leaders to have Jesus put to death. Then consider that Truth always goes through 3-stages: Ridicule; Violent opposition; and, finally, Acceptance. Judgment, fear, anger and violence are always signs that the truth has not yet been realized and accepted. Think about it; then take charge of your life by accepting responsibility for your thoughts.

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