By John Holland
http://AshtarCommandCrew.net In Partnership With OmTimes 
In today’s world of technological advances and medical breakthroughs, many people question the validity of the power of prayer to heal. Prayer has definitely been shown to assist in healing. A survey of 31,000 adults released in 2004 by the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that 43 percent of U.S. adults prayed for their own health, while 24 percent had others pray for their health. I think those figures speak for themselves.
So, what exactly is prayer? Prayer (whether spoken or unspoken) is communicating with: God, a Higher Power, the Universe, or what I refer to as the Divine Source. Prayer is a way for us – as human beings – to become involved and develop a relationship with the source. This connection can benefit your life on many more levels than just healing. Most religions agree that there is one true source that cares about you, no matter who you are or your personal circumstances. It wants to respond to you and your needs, but wants you to respond back. There has to be a two-way communication. Even if you don’t fully believe in a deity or follow a certain faith, there may be times when you find yourself offering a small prayer of gratitude, even if you’re not totally aware of who you’re thanking. Praying enables you to forge a relationship with something you may not be able to see … but it’s truly there.
Native Americans Indians use drumming and chanting as a form of prayer in their ceremonies. Others sing out their prayers in music and song, while some repeat their prayer requests using the rosary. Buddhists use prayer beads and some commune with God through meditation.
No matter what style of praying you choose, it’s important for you to begin. Don’t worry how you pray at first, or for how long. Don’t get caught up trying to find the right words or correct prayer intentions. God won’t be upset with you even if you don’t have much to say. Just pray, give thanks and begin to commune with the Divine Source. This is your time to express your concerns, whatever you’re feeling and experiencing in your life. Through prayer, the Divine Source will reach out to your consciousness, your mind, and your soul. It wants your love.
After all, love is the highest form of praise.
John’s Lesson
When you begin to pray, it’s okay to make up your own little prayers before you jump into a novena. Keep them short and simple. A good one to start off with as soon as you wake up in the morning is: “I love you. Please bring to me your blessings for my highest good.” It may sound short and simple, but it’s powerful. Say it a few times during the day and before you go to sleep. Keep repeating it. You may also decide to add in your own affirmations, for example: “I am now following my soul’s purpose and God is bringing the right people in to my life now” or even, “With God in my corner, I can achieve anything!”
Mix them up and personalize them as much as possible. Record them in your journal as they change and evolve. Over time, you can spend more time in prayer as you experiment to see what form of praying you’re comfortable with. Remember that God, the Universe, the Divine Source doesn’t care how you pray, as long as you begin and pray from your heart and soul. By praying you’ll develop a loving relationship, where the source and your soul connect in spiritual union, bringing you blessings of comfort, inspiration, and strength that could take you through the rest of your life
Connect with John Holland at http://johnholland.com
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