As a writer, I love taking a phrase and rolling it around, substituting one word or thought and seeing what happens.
With the Grimms’ fairy tale opening, “A long time ago, when wishes came true,” I began substituting “prayers” for “wishes” and realized many people seem to assume that prayers really did have more effect a long time ago – say back in the time of Moses or King David – than these days.
But that also has me wondering about the depth of our wishes today. Are we too directed by advertising and material possessions to seek what’s truly desirable? The fairy tales and Holy Scripture, as I recall, have a lot to say on that account.
Jnana's Red Barn 
Jnana, one thought struck me. Too often we think of prayers as a birthday or christmas list. I ask in prayer, He hears, I wait for my deadline, I am disappointed if it is not delivered.
If, as in the bible, we were to record and publish our requests – might be quite an embarrassing chapter or two.
Yet I could give two or three examples where the lord went “wham – there you are Paul”. I guess we all could.
You are so right.
More and more, I’m seeing prayer as an opportunity to get in line with what the Holy One would have for us to be or do, rather than the other way around.
As for embarrassing? Sometimes, in retrospect, it provides laughter.
A great question.
Great post! Very thought provoking. What would we wish/pray for when not directed by advertising and material possession? As I quickly pondered the thought I came to realize that I have all that I could ever wish/pray for. That my wish/pray would be directed for the good of others if not directed by worldly possessions.
Wonderful insights! Hope this inspires others to share theirs as well.
I am actually a Buddhist. These themes are all part of my daily practice. But instead of asking that something change through wish or prayer we train to deeply receive what is here now. There is no holy one but a holy oneness of all that is. No hierarchy. No that of god outside ourselves. We are holy, the universe is holy, now is holy, and it is all one. I like this greatly. When I am deeply attuned to the present moment all shimmers with profound beauty.
What a lovely description.
And thus the awareness was not somehow “better” in a previous time, but is rather fully now. Or, as some friends call it, the Holy Now.
Lovely & thought provoking. I WISH for silly unimportant things I guess, in the great scheme of things but as someone with a strong Christian faith for over 37 years I would never PRAY for anything flimsy & whimsical. Having a personal relationship with Jesus He knows me better than I know myself. We only see the messy side of the great tapestry he is busy creating, I trust Him wholeheartedly even if the outcomes are not what I think I need.
My best friend is a Buddhist & we love sharing our different thoughts and have huge respect for each other.
I pray & wish you a blessed day Jnana x
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