Guest guest Posted August 8, 2008 Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone who feels inspired to answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on intercessory prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, for their well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in their lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 9, 2008 Report Share Posted August 9, 2008 Namaste Jennifer,You can do so with the prayer group if you like _prayer_club Jai Maa, Devi--- On Fri, 8/8/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007 wrote:jrholm1007 <jrholm1007[www.ShreeMaa.org] Intercessory Prayer Date: Friday, August 8, 2008, 3:53 PM Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone who feels inspired to answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on intercessory prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, for their well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in their lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 11, 2008 Report Share Posted August 11, 2008 Thank you so much, Devi, for your response. I do participate in the prayer group on Saturdays and recite the tryambakam mantra. My situation right now is this: a person that I love dearly is really struggling with her life journey, making choices that seem (to me, from my limited view) highly dangerous and self destructive. I want to be praying effectively for her, my desire is to be a conduit of Divine Mother's love in her life. I pray for this person many times throughout the day. Sometimes I recite mantras for her as well, always asking 'according to Divine Mother's perfect plan for her life... " . So, I'm just looking for more guidance on how intercessory prayer works in this tradition....in my youth I grew up within the Christian tradition, which offers very clear teachings on the theology of intercessory prayer, and now I'm just curious to learn more about how it works within this way of following Divine Mother. Thank you, Jennifer , devi <student61754 wrote: > > Namaste Jennifer, > You can do so with the prayer group if you like > > > > > _prayer_club > > > Jai Maa, > > Devi > > --- On Fri, 8/8/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007 wrote: > jrholm1007 <jrholm1007 > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Intercessory Prayer > > Friday, August 8, 2008, 3:53 PM > > > > > Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone who feels inspired to > > answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on intercessory > > prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, for their > > well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in their > > lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, Jennifer > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 Namaste' Jennifer I hope you don't mind my jumping in here but I just wanted to share some thoughts on prayer that help me when I am, like you, trying to be a conduit for Mother's love. First of all, if I can remember that we are all living out our dharma and karma in the best way we can it isn't too much of a leap for me to realize that even if life isn't appearing in the way I would want it to, it is always appearing as Maa's will. She knows why we do or don't do something in such a way. We have our preferances and certainly can often see when someone isn't living in such a way that would best serve them, but Maa sees their life from a much bigger perspective. Luckily, with faith we can trust that She knows what She is doing. As for prayer more specifically, my understanding of prayer is that it allows us to understand and accept that Maa's way is what is best, and is what is occuring in every moment. It is really one of those practices where the work begins within us, changing our mind and beliefs, adjusting our attachments and helping us to let go of our desired outcomes. When we are able to do this letting go, we become that clear conduit, and the example we show to others through our steadiness, consistency, and joy is how Maa works through us. I hope this was helpful. JAI MAA JAI SWAMIJI OM Shanti Morningsong , " jrholm1007 " <jrholm1007 wrote: > > Thank you so much, Devi, for your response. I do participate in the > prayer group on Saturdays and recite the tryambakam mantra. > > My situation right now is this: a person that I love dearly is really > struggling with her life journey, making choices that seem (to me, > from my limited view) highly dangerous and self destructive. I want > to be praying effectively for her, my desire is to be a conduit of > Divine Mother's love in her life. I pray for this person many times > throughout the day. Sometimes I recite mantras for her as well, > always asking 'according to Divine Mother's perfect plan for her > life... " . So, I'm just looking for more guidance on how intercessory > prayer works in this tradition....in my youth I grew up within the > Christian tradition, which offers very clear teachings on the > theology of intercessory prayer, and now I'm just curious to learn > more about how it works within this way of following Divine Mother. > Thank you, Jennifer > > , devi <student61754@> wrote: > > > > Namaste Jennifer, > > You can do so with the prayer group if you like > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _prayer_club@ > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > Devi > > > > --- On Fri, 8/8/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@> wrote: > > jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@> > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Intercessory Prayer > > > > Friday, August 8, 2008, 3:53 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone who > feels inspired to > > > > answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on intercessory > > > > prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, for > their > > > > well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in their > > > > lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, Jennifer > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 Morningsong, I thought this was beautifully put. One of our greatest challenges is letting go of the outcome especially in situations where we feel that we must help, but cannot. Thank you for reminding us of this.Shanti Om,ShankariAs for prayer more specifically, my understanding of prayer is that it allows us to understand and accept that Maa's way is what is best, and is what is occuring in every moment. It is really one of those practices where the work begins within us, changing our mind and beliefs, adjusting our attachments and helping us to let go of our desired outcomes. When we are able to do this letting go, we become that clear conduit, and the example we show to others through our steadiness, consistency, and joy is how Maa works through us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Thank you for posting this Shankari and thank Morningsong for stating it so clearly. Wonderfully put. Very helpful in reaching some understanding of these issues in life.Thank you, Thank you, Thank you,Jai Maa, Devi--- On Tue, 8/12/08, Shankari Kali <shankari_kali wrote:Shankari Kali <shankari_kaliRe: [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Intercessory Prayer Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 5:10 PM Morningsong, I thought this was beautifully put. One of our greatest challenges is letting go of the outcome especially in situations where we feel that we must help, but cannot. Thank you for reminding us of this.Shanti Om,ShankariAs for prayer more specifically, my understanding of prayer is that it allows us to understand and accept that Maa's way is what is best, and is what is occuring in every moment. It is really one of those practices where the work begins within us, changing our mind and beliefs, adjusting our attachments and helping us to let go of our desired outcomes. When we are able to do this letting go, we become that clear conduit, and the example we show to others through our steadiness, consistency, and joy is how Maa works through us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2008 Report Share Posted August 14, 2008 Dear Morningsong, thank you so much for jumping in! Your response is very helpful, and my heart is touched by the thoughtfulness and care in your message, as well as your strong and heartfelt faith. I must admit that there still is an aspect to my question that is unanswered though, perhaps I'm not communicating clearly. For me, in relating to others there are times of acceptance and letting go, and also times of interaction and holding on. If my three year old child was about to chase his ball into the street with an oncoming car, I'd hold on to him! I would be sooooo invested in the outcome of his safety. He wouldn't know what was best for himself in that moment, and it's my 'job' as his parent to protect him from things that he doesn't understand. And my belief is that this, too, is the Divine working through the natural instinct of a parent to nurture and protect life. (Which is an oversimplified example, please forgive me, of the situation I'm in right now, and I'm not wanting to give details out of respect for confidentiality of my loved one.) So what I experience is that there are, in this creation, influences of forgetfulness and of remembrance. When I, myself, am lost in forgetfulness, I can be selfish. When I remember that we really are all one soul (thank you Shree Maa for bringing me back into remembrance) then I am so much more respectful of others. I am in relationship with someone dear to me whom I see as being lost in forgetfulness. I DO pray for myself in relation to her, for acceptance and clarity and that Divine Mother would 'get me out of the way' to be an instrument for Her peace. And also to show me right action for this person's best wellbeing. But then in addition to that I pray for my loved one as well. And this is what I'm seeking guidance on, as to what the teachings are on this aspect of prayer, which I know as intercession. Perhaps that is just a great mystery. : ) Thanks for listening, Jennifer , " c_morningsong " <c_morningsong wrote: > > Namaste' Jennifer > > I hope you don't mind my jumping in here but I just wanted to share > some thoughts on prayer that help me when I am, like you, trying to > be a conduit for Mother's love. > > First of all, if I can remember that we are all living out our dharma > and karma in the best way we can it isn't too much of a leap for me > to realize that even if life isn't appearing in the way I would want > it to, it is always appearing as Maa's will. She knows why we do or > don't do something in such a way. We have our preferances and > certainly can often see when someone isn't living in such a way that > would best serve them, but Maa sees their life from a much bigger > perspective. Luckily, with faith we can trust that She knows what She > is doing. > > As for prayer more specifically, my understanding of prayer is that > it allows us to understand and accept that Maa's way is what is best, > and is what is occuring in every moment. It is really one of those > practices where the work begins within us, changing our mind and > beliefs, adjusting our attachments and helping us to let go of our > desired outcomes. When we are able to do this letting go, we become > that clear conduit, and the example we show to others through our > steadiness, consistency, and joy is how Maa works through us. > > I hope this was helpful. > > JAI MAA JAI SWAMIJI > > OM Shanti > Morningsong > > , " jrholm1007 " <jrholm1007@> > wrote: > > > > Thank you so much, Devi, for your response. I do participate in > the > > prayer group on Saturdays and recite the tryambakam mantra. > > > > My situation right now is this: a person that I love dearly is > really > > struggling with her life journey, making choices that seem (to me, > > from my limited view) highly dangerous and self destructive. I > want > > to be praying effectively for her, my desire is to be a conduit of > > Divine Mother's love in her life. I pray for this person many > times > > throughout the day. Sometimes I recite mantras for her as well, > > always asking 'according to Divine Mother's perfect plan for her > > life... " . So, I'm just looking for more guidance on how > intercessory > > prayer works in this tradition....in my youth I grew up within the > > Christian tradition, which offers very clear teachings on the > > theology of intercessory prayer, and now I'm just curious to learn > > more about how it works within this way of following Divine > Mother. > > Thank you, Jennifer > > > > , devi <student61754@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Jennifer, > > > You can do so with the prayer group if you like > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _prayer_club@ > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > Devi > > > > > > --- On Fri, 8/8/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@> wrote: > > > jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@> > > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Intercessory Prayer > > > > > > Friday, August 8, 2008, 3:53 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone who > > feels inspired to > > > > > > answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on intercessory > > > > > > prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, for > > their > > > > > > well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in their > > > > > > lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, > Jennifer > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2008 Report Share Posted August 14, 2008 i feel that praying for others definately helps. in the first way as was stated previously, it brings us to peace with them. it helps us let go of attachment to the outcome. i feel that once we have let go of the attachment to the outcome and continue praying for them it is even more helpful prayer! because we are now doing it from a place of " what about them " not " what about me " it helps in the same way that love helps people. when you love someone and even if they are across the earth they feel that deep nourishing inside. in the same way prayer creates such beautiful vibrations that when coupled with powerful intent and sankalpa can do miraculous things. this is just my beliefs on it. very interesting topic of conversation. thank you all for being my family! dan jrholm1007 <jrholm1007 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 3:31 am [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Intercessory Prayer Dear Morningsong, thank you so much for jumping in! Your response is very helpful, and my heart is touched by the thoughtfulness and care in your message, as well as your strong and heartfelt faith. I must admit that there still is an aspect to my question that is unanswered though, perhaps I'm not communicating clearly. For me, in relating to others there are times of acceptance and letting go, and also times of interaction and holding on. If my three year old child was about to chase his ball into the street with an oncoming car, I'd hold on to him! I would be sooooo invested in the outcome of his safety. He wouldn't know what was best for himself in that moment, and it's my 'job' as his parent to protect him from things that he doesn't understand. And my belief is that this, too, is the Divine working through the natural instinct of a parent to nurture and protect life. (Which is an oversimplified example, please forgive me, of the situation I'm in right now, and I'm not wanting to give details out of respect for confidentiality of my loved one.) So what I experience is that there are, in this creation, influences of forgetfulness and of remembrance. When I, myself, am lost in forgetfulness, I can be selfish. When I remember that we really are all one soul (thank you Shree Maa for bringing me back into remembrance) then I am so much more respectful of others. I am in relationship with someone dear to me whom I see as being lost in forgetfulness. I DO pray for myself in relation to her, for acceptance and clarity and that Divine Mother would 'get me out of the way' to be an instrument for Her peace. And also to show me right action for this person's best wellbeing. But then in addition to that I pray for my loved one as well. And this is what I'm seeking guidance on, as to what the teachings are on this aspect of prayer, which I know as intercession. Perhaps that is just a great mystery. : ) Thanks for listening, Jennifer , " c_morningsong " <c_morningsong wrote: > > Namaste' Jennifer > > I hope you don't mind my jumping in here but I just wanted to share > some thoughts on prayer that help me when I am, like you, trying to > be a conduit for Mother's love. > > First of all, if I can remember that we are all living out our dharma > and karma in the best way we can it isn't too much of a leap for me > to realize that even if life isn't appearing in the way I would want > it to, it is always appearing as Maa's will. She knows why we do or > don't do something in such a way. We have our preferances and > certainly can often see when someone isn't living in such a way that > would best serve them, but Maa sees their life from a much bigger > perspective. Luckily, with faith we can trust that She knows what She > is doing. > > As for prayer more specifically, my understanding of prayer is that > it allows us to understand and accept that Maa's way is what is best, > and is what is occuring in every moment. It is really one of those > practices where the work begins within us, changing our mind and > beliefs, adjusting our attachments and helping us to let go of our > desired outcomes. When we are able to do this letting go, we become > that clear conduit, and the example we show to others through our > steadiness, consistency, and joy is how Maa works through us. > > I hope this was helpful. > > JAI MAA JAI SWAMIJI > > OM Shanti > Morningsong > > , " jrholm1007 " <jrholm1007@> > wrote: > > > > Thank you so much, Devi, for your response. I do participate in > the > > prayer group on Saturdays and recite the tryambakam mantra. > > > > My situation right now is this: a person that I love dearly is > really > > struggling with her life journey, making choices that seem (to me, > > from my limited view) highly dangerous and self destructive. I > want > > to be praying effectively for her, my desire is to be a conduit of > > Divine Mother's love in her life. I pray for this person many > times > > throughout the day. Sometimes I recite mantras for her as well, > > always asking 'according to Divine Mother's perfect plan for her > > life... " . So, I'm just looking for more guidance on how > intercessory > > prayer works in this tradition....in my youth I grew up within the > > Christian tradition, which offers very clear teachings on the > > theology of intercessory prayer, and now I'm just curious to learn > > more about how it works within this way of following Divine > Mother. > > Thank you, Jennifer > > > > , devi <student61754@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Jennifer, > > > You can do so with the prayer group if you like > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _prayer_club@ > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > Devi > > > > > > --- On Fri, 8/8/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@> wrote: > > > jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@> > > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Intercessory Prayer > > > > > > Friday, August 8, 2008, 3:53 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone who > > feels inspired to > > > > > > answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on intercessory > > > > > > prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, for > > their > > > > > > well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in their > > > > > > lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, > Jennifer > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2008 Report Share Posted August 14, 2008 Thank you for bring this up here in group. We all learn from each other when we share.Added some more thoughts under each parigraph so scroll down.Please excuse spelling my cker is not working correctly.LOL--- On Thu, 8/14/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007 wrote:jrholm1007 <jrholm1007[www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Intercessory Prayer Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 3:31 AM Dear Morningsong, thank you so much for jumping in! Your response is very helpful, and my heart is touched by the thoughtfulness and care in your message, as well as your strong and heartfelt faith. I must admit that there still is an aspect to my question that is unanswered though, perhaps I'm not communicating clearly. For me, in relating to others there are times of acceptance and letting go, and also times of interaction and holding on. If my three year old child was about to chase his ball into the street with an oncoming car, I'd hold on to him! I would be sooooo invested in the outcome of his safety. He wouldn't know what was best for himself in that moment, and it's my 'job' as his parent to protect him from things that he doesn't understand. And my belief is that this, too, is the Divine working through the natural instinct of a parent to nurture and protect life.I think the situation above is different than the one you are discussing. A child needs people to direct it in this world while he is learning.Where as the issue of your friend she is an adult and has created her life as it is and sometimes no matter how hard it is with adults we have to let go.We create our lives and until we learn that we continue to create missory for ourselves sometimes others, by how we act and the choices we make.To interfer sometimes takes away the lesson needed to shift this.But you can alway lift her up in prayer, you can alway pray for understanding on both your parts but to pray for a perticular thing in Her life to be as we want it to be is interfering with the course of her life. Much as we would like to help it is not alway help or what should be. We must pray for guidance and what ever is Mothers will & that we will all learn from life and grow in understanding. In having an attachment to the outcome YOU will be pained.Now you are taking on her issues.This has been a hard lesson for me.My ego wants me to help everyone. (see me trying to help you here) I ask myself do i seek to help linda or to make myself look smart?And it never turns out like we wish it too.It almost always brings pain when we pray with an ajenda.I know it's hard to just be.Pray for her best and let it go. But don't stop loving her and showing her your love. She needs that. That is the best way to help in all situations. Letting others see your balance & feel love. This gives them hope that they too can change and walk a different path.As for your friend:Balls in HER park to learn the lessons and change HER world.I had a teacher long ago try to teach me all this & boy I let him know how dumb I thought he was. Now I see he was so, so correct.He told me there was no good or evil. I was furious.I argued and argued only to have to experience it for myself.Then there are others that say good can not exist without evil.So what i gleened from all this and the experiences that followed was that everything is what you make it. You can take the rock falling on your head as evil or you can take it as good because if it had not you would not have moved and would be under a landslide.Evil is changed into good by learning from it so you don't have to experience it again.There is so much for you to learn here. Love, compasion and when to let go. How to pray and help and when to let go and let it ride. Basicly knowone can answer your question for you. Just take all we say and decide what seems best for your situaltion and jump in and learn from the experience.Life is so fun and full of experiences. So much to learn. Hardly boaring.(Which is an oversimplified example, please forgive me, of the situation I'm in right now, and I'm not wanting to give details out of respect for confidentiality of my loved one.) So what I experience is that there are, in this creation, influences of forgetfulness and of remembrance. When I, myself, am lost in forgetfulness, I can be selfish. When I remember that we really are all one soul (thank you Shree Maa for bringing me back into remembrance) then I am so much more respectful of others.Being all one soul and truely knowing that will help you to see that to best serve her and others you must be your best, your most loving, & that will cause you to be a light for others. I am in relationship with someone dear to me whom I see as being lost in forgetfulness. I DO pray for myself in relation to her, for acceptance and clarity and that Divine Mother would 'get me out of the way' to be an instrument for Her peace. And also to show me right action for this person's best wellbeing.Sounds like you are already doing all you can. But then in addition to that I pray for my loved one as well. And this is what I'm seeking guidance on, as to what the teachings are on this aspect of prayer, which I know as intercession. I have only heard of Intercession in the Christain faith when practice it. We were told you take on there suffering to ease it for them. You stand in between them and God and act as a conduit for the love and energy to get to them. BUT when you see that God/Goddess is in us all that seems unnessary. If God is in us all that proves that we KNOW what to do and we just choose to do what we want anyway. I know I'm guilty of that. By standing in the way you block their learning. You make them dependent on you. You want them to see that they have the answers within themselves so they can fly. Perhaps that is just a great mystery. : ) Thanks for listening, Jennifer , "c_morningsong" <c_morningsong@ ...> wrote: > > Namaste' Jennifer > > I hope you don't mind my jumping in here but I just wanted to share > some thoughts on prayer that help me when I am, like you, trying to > be a conduit for Mother's love. > > First of all, if I can remember that we are all living out our dharma > and karma in the best way we can it isn't too much of a leap for me > to realize that even if life isn't appearing in the way I would want > it to, it is always appearing as Maa's will. She knows why we do or > don't do something in such a way. We have our preferances and > certainly can often see when someone isn't living in such a way that > would best serve them, but Maa sees their life from a much bigger > perspective. Luckily, with faith we can trust that She knows what She > is doing. > > As for prayer more specifically, my understanding of prayer is that > it allows us to understand and accept that Maa's way is what is best, > and is what is occuring in every moment. It is really one of those > practices where the work begins within us, changing our mind and > beliefs, adjusting our attachments and helping us to let go of our > desired outcomes. When we are able to do this letting go, we become > that clear conduit, and the example we show to others through our > steadiness, consistency, and joy is how Maa works through us. > > I hope this was helpful. > > JAI MAA JAI SWAMIJI > > OM Shanti > Morningsong > > , "jrholm1007" <jrholm1007@ > > wrote: > > > > Thank you so much, Devi, for your response. I do participate in > the > > prayer group on Saturdays and recite the tryambakam mantra. > > > > My situation right now is this: a person that I love dearly is > really > > struggling with her life journey, making choices that seem (to me, > > from my limited view) highly dangerous and self destructive. I > want > > to be praying effectively for her, my desire is to be a conduit of > > Divine Mother's love in her life. I pray for this person many > times > > throughout the day. Sometimes I recite mantras for her as well, > > always asking 'according to Divine Mother's perfect plan for her > > life...". So, I'm just looking for more guidance on how > intercessory > > prayer works in this tradition... .in my youth I grew up within the > > Christian tradition, which offers very clear teachings on the > > theology of intercessory prayer, and now I'm just curious to learn > > more about how it works within this way of following Divine > Mother. > > Thank you, Jennifer > > > > , devi <student61754@ > wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Jennifer, > > > You can do so with the prayer group if you like > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _ prayer_club@ > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > Devi > > > > > > --- On Fri, 8/8/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@ > wrote: > > > jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@ > > > > [www.ShreeMaa. org] Intercessory Prayer > > > > > > Friday, August 8, 2008, 3:53 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone who > > feels inspired to > > > > > > answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on intercessory > > > > > > prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, for > > their > > > > > > well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in their > > > > > > lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, > Jennifer > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2008 Report Share Posted August 15, 2008 Dear Devi, wow! My gratitude for sharing all of the lessons that you have learned on this topic! I am learning a lot too from both the responses to my post and those from others that are running at the same time. As I read over your kind response, I realized what a big topic this is...Mother is teaching each of us according to our growth process. I also realized it's somewhat of a hard-to-communicate thing that I'm trying to reach out about, apparent from your response - for example, you are thinking that my dear one is an adult and a friend. She isn't, actually. She is a child, and a family member. I do share your ethic around not taking on other people's issues, and appreciate your reminder about praying for essence and not particulars. And I do absolutely believe that Goddess/God is in each one of us. But some of that Divine, it seems to me, is potential and it is enlivened and awakened through learning from Holy Ones like Shree Maa and Swamiji. To me, it is a developmental/evolutionary path, with the potential to become more and more " God-like " as we grow. When I learned about intercessory prayer, it was Jesus who had the capacity to stand between a person and God, not me for another person. In my view it would take a Holy Being such as Shree Maa who is established always in Divine Communion to be the Mediator. And this is the kind of guidance that I'm looking for...the universal (sanatana dharma) application of a practice that I only know from Christianity...how does it work here, I wonder? Again, many thanks for this topic being held in all of our hearts and Beloved Shree Maa and Swamiji, gratitude for this opportunity to learn and grow. Jennifer , devi <student61754 wrote: > > Thank you for bring this up here in group. We all learn from each other when we share. > Added some more thoughts under each parigraph so scroll down. > Please excuse spelling my cker is not working correctly. > LOL > > > > --- On Thu, 8/14/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007 wrote: > jrholm1007 <jrholm1007 > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Intercessory Prayer > > Thursday, August 14, 2008, 3:31 AM > > > > > Dear Morningsong, thank you so much for jumping in! Your response is > > very helpful, and my heart is touched by the thoughtfulness and care > > in your message, as well as your strong and heartfelt faith. > > > > I must admit that there still is an aspect to my question that is > > unanswered though, perhaps I'm not communicating clearly. For me, in > > relating to others there are times of acceptance and letting go, and > > also times of interaction and holding on. If my three year old child > > was about to chase his ball into the street with an oncoming car, I'd > > hold on to him! I would be sooooo invested in the outcome of his > > safety. He wouldn't know what was best for himself in that moment, > > and it's my 'job' as his parent to protect him from things that he > > doesn't understand. And my belief is that this, too, is the Divine > > working through the natural instinct of a parent to nurture and > > protect life.I think the situation above is different than the one you are discussing. A child needs people to direct it in this world while he is learning.Where as the issue of your friend she is an adult and has created her life as it is and sometimes no matter how hard it is with adults we have to let go.We create our lives and until we learn that we continue to create missory for ourselves sometimes others, by how we act and the choices we make.To interfer sometimes takes away the lesson needed to shift this.But you can alway lift her up in prayer, you can alway pray for understanding on both your parts but to pray for a perticular thing in Her life to be as we want it to be is interfering with the course of her life. Much as we would like to help it is not alway help or what should be. We must pray for guidance and what ever is Mothers will & that we will all learn from life and grow in understanding. > In having an attachment to the outcome YOU will be pained.Now you are taking on her issues.This has been a hard lesson for me. > My ego wants me to help everyone. (see me trying to help you here) I ask myself do i seek to help linda or to make myself look smart? > And it never turns out like we wish it too.It almost always brings pain when we pray with an ajenda. > I know it's hard to just be.Pray for her best and let it go. But don't stop loving her and showing her your love. She needs that. That is the best way to help in all situations. Letting others see your balance & feel love. This gives them hope that they too can change and walk a different path.As for your friend: > Balls in HER park to learn the lessons and change HER world.I had a teacher long ago try to teach me all this & boy I let him know how dumb I thought he was. Now I see he was so, so correct.He told me there was no good or evil. I was furious. > I argued and argued only to have to experience it for myself.Then there are others that say good can not exist without evil.So what i gleened from all this and the experiences that followed was that everything is what you make it. You can take the rock falling on your head as evil or you can take it as good because if it had not you would not have moved and would be under a landslide.Evil is changed into good by learning from it so you don't have to experience it again.There is so much for you to learn here. Love, compasion and when to let go. How to pray and help and when to let go and let it ride. Basicly knowone can answer your question for you. Just take all we say and decide what seems best for your situaltion and jump in and learn from the experience.Life is so fun and full of experiences. So much to learn. Hardly boaring. > > (Which is an oversimplified example, please forgive me, of the > > situation I'm in right now, and I'm not wanting to give details out > > of respect for confidentiality of my loved one.) > > > > So what I experience is that there are, in this creation, influences > > of forgetfulness and of remembrance. When I, myself, am lost in > > forgetfulness, I can be selfish. When I remember that we really are > > all one soul (thank you Shree Maa for bringing me back into > > remembrance) then I am so much more respectful of others.Being all one soul and truely knowing that will help you to see that to best serve her and others you must be your best, your most loving, & that will cause you to be a light for others. > > I am in relationship with someone dear to me whom I see as being lost > > in forgetfulness. I DO pray for myself in relation to her, for > > acceptance and clarity and that Divine Mother would 'get me out of > > the way' to be an instrument for Her peace. And also to show me > > right action for this person's best wellbeing.Sounds like you are already doing all you can. > > But then in addition to that I pray for my loved one as well. And > > this is what I'm seeking guidance on, as to what the teachings are on > > this aspect of prayer, which I know as intercession. > I have only heard of Intercession in the Christain faith when practice it. We were told you take on there suffering to ease it for them. You stand in between them and God and act as a conduit for the love and energy to get to them. BUT when you see that God/Goddess is in us all that seems unnessary. If God is in us all that proves that we KNOW what to do and we just choose to do what we want anyway. I know I'm guilty of that. By standing in the way you block their learning. You make them dependent on you. You want them to see that they have the answers within themselves so they can fly. > > > Perhaps that is just a great mystery. : ) > > > > Thanks for listening, Jennifer > > > > , " c_morningsong " > > <c_morningsong@ ...> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste' Jennifer > > > > > > I hope you don't mind my jumping in here but I just wanted to share > > > some thoughts on prayer that help me when I am, like you, trying to > > > be a conduit for Mother's love. > > > > > > First of all, if I can remember that we are all living out our > > dharma > > > and karma in the best way we can it isn't too much of a leap for me > > > to realize that even if life isn't appearing in the way I would > > want > > > it to, it is always appearing as Maa's will. She knows why we do > > or > > > don't do something in such a way. We have our preferances and > > > certainly can often see when someone isn't living in such a way > > that > > > would best serve them, but Maa sees their life from a much bigger > > > perspective. Luckily, with faith we can trust that She knows what > > She > > > is doing. > > > > > > As for prayer more specifically, my understanding of prayer is that > > > it allows us to understand and accept that Maa's way is what is > > best, > > > and is what is occuring in every moment. It is really one of those > > > practices where the work begins within us, changing our mind and > > > beliefs, adjusting our attachments and helping us to let go of our > > > desired outcomes. When we are able to do this letting go, we > > become > > > that clear conduit, and the example we show to others through our > > > steadiness, consistency, and joy is how Maa works through us. > > > > > > I hope this was helpful. > > > > > > JAI MAA JAI SWAMIJI > > > > > > OM Shanti > > > Morningsong > > > > > > , " jrholm1007 " <jrholm1007@ > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > Thank you so much, Devi, for your response. I do participate in > > > the > > > > prayer group on Saturdays and recite the tryambakam mantra. > > > > > > > > My situation right now is this: a person that I love dearly is > > > really > > > > struggling with her life journey, making choices that seem (to > > me, > > > > from my limited view) highly dangerous and self destructive. I > > > want > > > > to be praying effectively for her, my desire is to be a conduit > > of > > > > Divine Mother's love in her life. I pray for this person many > > > times > > > > throughout the day. Sometimes I recite mantras for her as well, > > > > always asking 'according to Divine Mother's perfect plan for her > > > > life... " . So, I'm just looking for more guidance on how > > > intercessory > > > > prayer works in this tradition... .in my youth I grew up within > > the > > > > Christian tradition, which offers very clear teachings on the > > > > theology of intercessory prayer, and now I'm just curious to > > learn > > > > more about how it works within this way of following Divine > > > Mother. > > > > Thank you, Jennifer > > > > > > > > , devi <student61754@ > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Jennifer, > > > > > You can do so with the prayer group if you like > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _ prayer_club@ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > > > > > Devi > > > > > > > > > > --- On Fri, 8/8/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@ > wrote: > > > > > jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@ > > > > > > [www.ShreeMaa. org] Intercessory Prayer > > > > > > > > > > Friday, August 8, 2008, 3:53 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone > > who > > > > feels inspired to > > > > > > > > > > answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on > > intercessory > > > > > > > > > > prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, > > for > > > > their > > > > > > > > > > well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in > > their > > > > > > > > > > lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, > > > Jennifer > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2008 Report Share Posted August 15, 2008 Namaste Dear sister, Can't say as I've learned. Just been through like all of us have. Still TRYING to learn. It's much easier to talk about such things than it is to do them ALL the time. And you are correct it is hard to talk around a subject that you can't completely share. But as sweet a person as you are I know you will know in your heart what to do. Just remember Mother is alway with us. She'll guide you for sure. Children are so special. And we all want the best for them. This child is lucky to have you pulling for her. I agree with you it would take a special person to intercede for others. Would take a lot of experience. Having her on the pray list through you is a lot. It can be so hard watching a child struggle. I have grand children and just love kids. I'm sure we will all have you both in our prayers. Lots of Love I hope you find the answers you need.Jai Maa,Devi--- On Thu, 8/14/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007 wrote: jrholm1007 <jrholm1007[www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Intercessory Prayer Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 7:26 PM Dear Devi, wow! My gratitude for sharing all of the lessons that you have learned on this topic! I am learning a lot too from both the responses to my post and those from others that are running at the same time. As I read over your kind response, I realized what a big topic this is...Mother is teaching each of us according to our growth process. I also realized it's somewhat of a hard-to-communicate thing that I'm trying to reach out about, apparent from your response - for example, you are thinking that my dear one is an adult and a friend. She isn't, actually. She is a child, and a family member.I do share your ethic around not taking on other people's issues, and appreciate your reminder about praying for essence and not particulars.And I do absolutely believe that Goddess/God is in each one of us. But some of that Divine, it seems to me, is potential and it is enlivened and awakened through learning from Holy Ones like Shree Maa and Swamiji. To me, it is a developmental/ evolutionary path, with the potential to become more and more "God-like" as we grow.When I learned about intercessory prayer, it was Jesus who had the capacity to stand between a person and God, not me for another person. In my view it would take a Holy Being such as Shree Maa who is established always in Divine Communion to be the Mediator. And this is the kind of guidance that I'm looking for...the universal (sanatana dharma) application of a practice that I only know from Christianity. ..how does it work here, I wonder?Again, many thanks for this topic being held in all of our hearts and Beloved Shree Maa and Swamiji, gratitude for this opportunity to learn and grow.Jennifer@ . com, devi <student61754@ ...> wrote:>> Thank you for bring this up here in group. We all learn from each other when we share.> Added some more thoughts under each parigraph so scroll down.> Please excuse spelling my cker is not working correctly.> LOL> > > > --- On Thu, 8/14/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@ ...> wrote:> jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@ ...>> [www.ShreeMaa. org] Re: Intercessory Prayer> > Thursday, August 14, 2008, 3:31 AM> > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Morningsong, thank you so much for jumping in! Your response is > > very helpful, and my heart is touched by the thoughtfulness and care > > in your message, as well as your strong and heartfelt faith.> > > > I must admit that there still is an aspect to my question that is > > unanswered though, perhaps I'm not communicating clearly. For me, in > > relating to others there are times of acceptance and letting go, and > > also times of interaction and holding on. If my three year old child > > was about to chase his ball into the street with an oncoming car, I'd > > hold on to him! I would be sooooo invested in the outcome of his > > safety. He wouldn't know what was best for himself in that moment, > > and it's my 'job' as his parent to protect him from things that he > > doesn't understand. And my belief is that this, too, is the Divine > > working through the natural instinct of a parent to nurture and > > protect life.I think the situation above is different than the one you are discussing. A child needs people to direct it in this world while he is learning.Where as the issue of your friend she is an adult and has created her life as it is and sometimes no matter how hard it is with adults we have to let go.We create our lives and until we learn that we continue to create missory for ourselves sometimes others, by how we act and the choices we make.To interfer sometimes takes away the lesson needed to shift this.But you can alway lift her up in prayer, you can alway pray for understanding on both your parts but to pray for a perticular thing in Her life to be as we want it to be is interfering with the course of her life. Much as we would like to help it is not alway help or what should be. We must pray for guidance and what ever is Mothers will & that we will all learn from life and grow in understanding. > In having an attachment to the outcome YOU will be pained.Now you are taking on her issues.This has been a hard lesson for me.> My ego wants me to help everyone. (see me trying to help you here) I ask myself do i seek to help linda or to make myself look smart?> And it never turns out like we wish it too.It almost always brings pain when we pray with an ajenda.> I know it's hard to just be.Pray for her best and let it go. But don't stop loving her and showing her your love. She needs that. That is the best way to help in all situations. Letting others see your balance & feel love. This gives them hope that they too can change and walk a different path.As for your friend:> Balls in HER park to learn the lessons and change HER world.I had a teacher long ago try to teach me all this & boy I let him know how dumb I thought he was. Now I see he was so, so correct.He told me there was no good or evil. I was furious.> I argued and argued only to have to experience it for myself.Then there are others that say good can not exist without evil.So what i gleened from all this and the experiences that followed was that everything is what you make it. You can take the rock falling on your head as evil or you can take it as good because if it had not you would not have moved and would be under a landslide.Evil is changed into good by learning from it so you don't have to experience it again.There is so much for you to learn here. Love, compasion and when to let go. How to pray and help and when to let go and let it ride. Basicly knowone can answer your question for you. Just take all we say and decide what seems best for your situaltion and jump in and learn from the experience.Life is so fun and full of experiences. So much to learn. Hardly boaring.> > (Which is an oversimplified example, please forgive me, of the > > situation I'm in right now, and I'm not wanting to give details out > > of respect for confidentiality of my loved one.)> > > > So what I experience is that there are, in this creation, influences > > of forgetfulness and of remembrance. When I, myself, am lost in > > forgetfulness, I can be selfish. When I remember that we really are > > all one soul (thank you Shree Maa for bringing me back into > > remembrance) then I am so much more respectful of others.Being all one soul and truely knowing that will help you to see that to best serve her and others you must be your best, your most loving, & that will cause you to be a light for others.> > I am in relationship with someone dear to me whom I see as being lost > > in forgetfulness. I DO pray for myself in relation to her, for > > acceptance and clarity and that Divine Mother would 'get me out of > > the way' to be an instrument for Her peace. And also to show me > > right action for this person's best wellbeing.Sounds like you are already doing all you can.> > But then in addition to that I pray for my loved one as well. And > > this is what I'm seeking guidance on, as to what the teachings are on > > this aspect of prayer, which I know as intercession. > I have only heard of Intercession in the Christain faith when practice it. We were told you take on there suffering to ease it for them. You stand in between them and God and act as a conduit for the love and energy to get to them. BUT when you see that God/Goddess is in us all that seems unnessary. If God is in us all that proves that we KNOW what to do and we just choose to do what we want anyway. I know I'm guilty of that. By standing in the way you block their learning. You make them dependent on you. You want them to see that they have the answers within themselves so they can fly.> > > Perhaps that is just a great mystery. : )> > > > Thanks for listening, Jennifer> > > > , "c_morningsong" > > <c_morningsong@ ...> wrote:> > >> > > Namaste' Jennifer> > > > > > I hope you don't mind my jumping in here but I just wanted to share > > > some thoughts on prayer that help me when I am, like you, trying to > > > be a conduit for Mother's love.> > > > > > First of all, if I can remember that we are all living out our > > dharma > > > and karma in the best way we can it isn't too much of a leap for me > > > to realize that even if life isn't appearing in the way I would > > want > > > it to, it is always appearing as Maa's will. She knows why we do > > or > > > don't do something in such a way. We have our preferances and > > > certainly can often see when someone isn't living in such a way > > that > > > would best serve them, but Maa sees their life from a much bigger > > > perspective. Luckily, with faith we can trust that She knows what > > She > > > is doing. > > > > > > As for prayer more specifically, my understanding of prayer is that > > > it allows us to understand and accept that Maa's way is what is > > best, > > > and is what is occuring in every moment. It is really one of those > > > practices where the work begins within us, changing our mind and > > > beliefs, adjusting our attachments and helping us to let go of our > > > desired outcomes. When we are able to do this letting go, we > > become > > > that clear conduit, and the example we show to others through our > > > steadiness, consistency, and joy is how Maa works through us.> > > > > > I hope this was helpful.> > > > > > JAI MAA JAI SWAMIJI> > > > > > OM Shanti> > > Morningsong> > > > > > , "jrholm1007" <jrholm1007@ > > > > wrote:> > > >> > > > Thank you so much, Devi, for your response. I do participate in > > > the > > > > prayer group on Saturdays and recite the tryambakam mantra.> > > > > > > > My situation right now is this: a person that I love dearly is > > > really > > > > struggling with her life journey, making choices that seem (to > > me, > > > > from my limited view) highly dangerous and self destructive. I > > > want > > > > to be praying effectively for her, my desire is to be a conduit > > of > > > > Divine Mother's love in her life. I pray for this person many > > > times > > > > throughout the day. Sometimes I recite mantras for her as well, > > > > always asking 'according to Divine Mother's perfect plan for her > > > > life...". So, I'm just looking for more guidance on how > > > intercessory > > > > prayer works in this tradition... .in my youth I grew up within > > the > > > > Christian tradition, which offers very clear teachings on the > > > > theology of intercessory prayer, and now I'm just curious to > > learn > > > > more about how it works within this way of following Divine > > > Mother. > > > > Thank you, Jennifer> > > > > > > > , devi <student61754@ > wrote:> > > > >> > > > > Namaste Jennifer,> > > > > You can do so with the prayer group if you like> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _ prayer_club@> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa,> > > > > > > > > > Devi> > > > > > > > > > --- On Fri, 8/8/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@ > wrote:> > > > > jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@ >> > > > > [www.ShreeMaa. org] Intercessory Prayer> > > > > > > > > > Friday, August 8, 2008, 3:53 PM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone > > who > > > > feels inspired to > > > > > > > > > > answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on > > intercessory > > > > > > > > > > prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, > > for > > > > their > > > > > > > > > > well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in > > their > > > > > > > > > > lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, > > > Jennifer> > > > >> > > >> > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2008 Report Share Posted August 15, 2008 Dear Jennifer, " Breathe Love In, Breathe Love Out. " T. , " jrholm1007 " <jrholm1007 wrote: > > Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone who feels inspired to > answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on intercessory > prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, for their > well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in their > lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, Jennifer > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 Namastes and greetings for the veru best for all the ladies, sisters, daughters, mothers and Grand Mothers for this imprtant Friday, being the Vara Lakshmi Pooja celebrations, as we usher in the First Friday of the Shravan maas. Special Pranams to Shree Maa as She worhships Lakshmi,and should bless us all with the greatest wealth of Purity in Thought, Action and cherish our divinity,apart from from regular Artha in our lives. The question of intercessory prayer has been under my constant thought for some days, and I firmly believe that the Power of Prayer as an act of Intercession on behalf of someone, near to far, related or not, is so supreme and everlasting that the effects of these prayers have known to cure many an ailment, caused unhappy relationships to mend, blessings and boons became bestowed and even have confounded medical professionals. Just as our Shree Maa and Swamiji convene the regular prayer Clubs and ardently pray for all those and others, without any noticeable need or want and without any strings attached, nor requested, it is one of the most noble unequalled SEVA that is performed without any " expected " phalans( results ). If the receiptient is blessed, and prayers answered, that itself forms the fruits of labor and its dakshina. Just as the Old and New Testaments confirmed that Jesus was the Intercession prayer for this world ( according to Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 4:14-416 et al), the purpose of the intercession was to act as the purveyor and transmitter of our problems and wants to a higher God, thereby reinforcing the powers and effects of the prayers. It is also well established facts of lives in so many of our dear devotees that these prayers had worked as magic- meaning the miracles that abound us all in our collective lives. Adding our prayers , unsolicited and without hesitations only help those in need, and who knows, we might be needing these st some stage. So, let us all continue the intercessions, which act as cushions against difficulties and offer support and sustenance as we gather our collective thoughts and wishes. Jai Maa Jai Swamiji. With love and peace, Babu Krishnan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 Namaste Babu Krishnan and Family, I was very happy to read this post this Sunday morning. I appreciated every word of it and especially enjoy the Biblical references as that helps me to know that all great religions are basically the same. Thank you for a wonderful post. Jai Maa Jai Swamiji, Karen , Babu Krishnan <babuk1008 wrote: > > Namastes and greetings for the veru best for all the ladies, sisters, daughters, mothers and Grand Mothers for this imprtant Friday, being the Vara Lakshmi Pooja celebrations, as we usher in the First Friday of the Shravan maas. Special Pranams to Shree Maa as She worhships Lakshmi,and should bless us all with the greatest wealth of Purity in Thought, Action and cherish our divinity,apart from from regular Artha in our lives. > > The question of intercessory prayer has been under my constant thought for some days, and I firmly believe that the Power of Prayer as an act of Intercession on behalf of someone, near to far, related or not, is so supreme and everlasting that the effects of these prayers have known to cure many an ailment, caused unhappy relationships to mend, blessings and boons became bestowed and even have confounded medical professionals. > > Just as our Shree Maa and Swamiji convene the regular prayer Clubs and ardently pray for all those and others, without any noticeable need or want and without any strings attached, nor requested, it is one of the most noble unequalled SEVA that is performed without any " expected " phalans( results ). If the receiptient is blessed, and prayers answered, that itself forms the fruits of labor and its dakshina. Just as the Old and New Testaments confirmed that Jesus was the Intercession prayer for this world ( according to Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 4:14-416 et al), the purpose of the intercession was to act as the purveyor and transmitter of our problems and wants to a higher God, thereby reinforcing the powers and effects of the prayers. It is also well established facts of lives in so many of our dear devotees that these prayers had worked as magic- meaning the miracles that abound us all in our collective lives. Adding our prayers , unsolicited and without > hesitations only help those in need, and who knows, we might be needing these st some stage. So, let us all continue the intercessions, which act as cushions against difficulties and offer support and sustenance as we gather our collective thoughts and wishes. > > Jai Maa Jai Swamiji. > > With love and peace, > > Babu Krishnan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2008 Report Share Posted August 18, 2008 Dearest Devi, thank you many times over again for your kindness and for connecting around my question in such an open-hearted way. Mother is always with us! Most important to remember, thank you. She hears every prayer, I know for sure. We are all HER little children, lifelong learners of Her eternal love. Blessings to you and yours! Jennifer , devi <student61754 wrote: > > Namaste Dear sister, > Can't say as I've learned. Just been through like all of us have. Still TRYING to learn. It's much easier to talk about such things than it is to do them ALL the time. And you are correct it is hard to talk around a subject that you can't completely share. But as sweet a person as you are I know you will know in your heart what to do. Just remember Mother is alway with us. She'll guide you for sure. > > Children are so special. And we all want the best for them. This child is lucky to have you pulling for her. I agree with you it would take a special person to intercede for others. Would take a lot of experience. Having her on the pray list through you is a lot. It can be so hard watching a child struggle. I have grand children and just love kids. I'm sure we will all have you both in our prayers. > > Lots of Love > I hope you find the answers you need. > > Jai Maa, > Devi > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2008 Report Share Posted August 18, 2008 Oh thank you so much for that reminder. I really adore that practice. It works like a charm for me. Jennifer , " ty_maa " <dsjames wrote: > > > Dear Jennifer, > > " Breathe Love In, Breathe Love Out. " > > T. > > > > > > , " jrholm1007 " <jrholm1007@> wrote: > > > > Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone who feels inspired to > > answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on intercessory > > prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, for their > > well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in their > > lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, Jennifer > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Dear Jennifer, I think that one can say there are two moments of vision: one of wisdom where we can see that fundamentally nothing is wrong, that the marketplace of samsara with all of its pain is just a magic show, and one of love where we feel intense compassion and care for the unfathomable suffering that beings endure. This latter is Universal Sorrow and it is constant wringing heartbreak at the terrible straits that sentient beings find themselves in. The former is Universal Laughter at recognizing this world as an illusory dream. I don't think that we should confuse the two at the time of prayer. Wisdom may give us peace, strength and conviction but we must also respond in a heartfelt way to the suffering of others. This is true of their present suffering and also at the unskillful actions they perform which will lead to suffering in the future. We should feel as if we are a mother watching her only child being swept away by a raging river. We must feel that sense of urgency and universal responsibility that it is up to us alone to make things right. Their problem is our problem, for what is self and other in reality? We *must* accept responsibility for the welfare of all beings, just like the Great Mother does, even if it breaks our heart. I think it is a factor of either the maturity of one's practice or one's disposition whether one intercedes by invoking the Mother as an external force or whether one recollects one's own nature as the Mother and pray for a positive result in accord with Reality. In all things I believe sincerity is the most important factor. With sincerity, longing and enthusiastic perseverance, all things can be accomplished. Techniques such as formal prayers and pujas are just a compact between Divinity and us-- they give us confidence and act as a conduit for grace. In the absence of sincerity, they are just a dry formalism. I think that Joseph Campbell gave very good advice by saying " Follow your bliss " . I think that you know in your heart what is right, Jennifer. All of us are mothers, possessed of the wisdom of the Great Mother. How can manifesting the concern of a mother ever be wrong? May you manifest the Divine love of us all in your prayers of concern. With love, Kalidas On Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 3:31 AM, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007 wrote: > Dear Morningsong, thank you so much for jumping in! Your response is > very helpful, and my heart is touched by the thoughtfulness and care > in your message, as well as your strong and heartfelt faith. > > I must admit that there still is an aspect to my question that is > unanswered though, perhaps I'm not communicating clearly. For me, in > relating to others there are times of acceptance and letting go, and > also times of interaction and holding on. If my three year old child > was about to chase his ball into the street with an oncoming car, I'd > hold on to him! I would be sooooo invested in the outcome of his > safety. He wouldn't know what was best for himself in that moment, > and it's my 'job' as his parent to protect him from things that he > doesn't understand. And my belief is that this, too, is the Divine > working through the natural instinct of a parent to nurture and > protect life. > > (Which is an oversimplified example, please forgive me, of the > situation I'm in right now, and I'm not wanting to give details out > of respect for confidentiality of my loved one.) > > So what I experience is that there are, in this creation, influences > of forgetfulness and of remembrance. When I, myself, am lost in > forgetfulness, I can be selfish. When I remember that we really are > all one soul (thank you Shree Maa for bringing me back into > remembrance) then I am so much more respectful of others. > > I am in relationship with someone dear to me whom I see as being lost > in forgetfulness. I DO pray for myself in relation to her, for > acceptance and clarity and that Divine Mother would 'get me out of > the way' to be an instrument for Her peace. And also to show me > right action for this person's best wellbeing. > > But then in addition to that I pray for my loved one as well. And > this is what I'm seeking guidance on, as to what the teachings are on > this aspect of prayer, which I know as intercession. > > Perhaps that is just a great mystery. : ) > > Thanks for listening, Jennifer > > , " c_morningsong " > > <c_morningsong wrote: >> >> Namaste' Jennifer >> >> I hope you don't mind my jumping in here but I just wanted to share >> some thoughts on prayer that help me when I am, like you, trying to >> be a conduit for Mother's love. >> >> First of all, if I can remember that we are all living out our > dharma >> and karma in the best way we can it isn't too much of a leap for me >> to realize that even if life isn't appearing in the way I would > want >> it to, it is always appearing as Maa's will. She knows why we do > or >> don't do something in such a way. We have our preferances and >> certainly can often see when someone isn't living in such a way > that >> would best serve them, but Maa sees their life from a much bigger >> perspective. Luckily, with faith we can trust that She knows what > She >> is doing. >> >> As for prayer more specifically, my understanding of prayer is that >> it allows us to understand and accept that Maa's way is what is > best, >> and is what is occuring in every moment. It is really one of those >> practices where the work begins within us, changing our mind and >> beliefs, adjusting our attachments and helping us to let go of our >> desired outcomes. When we are able to do this letting go, we > become >> that clear conduit, and the example we show to others through our >> steadiness, consistency, and joy is how Maa works through us. >> >> I hope this was helpful. >> >> JAI MAA JAI SWAMIJI >> >> OM Shanti >> Morningsong >> >> , " jrholm1007 " <jrholm1007@> >> wrote: >> > >> > Thank you so much, Devi, for your response. I do participate in >> the >> > prayer group on Saturdays and recite the tryambakam mantra. >> > >> > My situation right now is this: a person that I love dearly is >> really >> > struggling with her life journey, making choices that seem (to > me, >> > from my limited view) highly dangerous and self destructive. I >> want >> > to be praying effectively for her, my desire is to be a conduit > of >> > Divine Mother's love in her life. I pray for this person many >> times >> > throughout the day. Sometimes I recite mantras for her as well, >> > always asking 'according to Divine Mother's perfect plan for her >> > life... " . So, I'm just looking for more guidance on how >> intercessory >> > prayer works in this tradition....in my youth I grew up within > the >> > Christian tradition, which offers very clear teachings on the >> > theology of intercessory prayer, and now I'm just curious to > learn >> > more about how it works within this way of following Divine >> Mother. >> > Thank you, Jennifer >> > >> > , devi <student61754@> wrote: >> > > >> > > Namaste Jennifer, >> > > You can do so with the prayer group if you like >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > _prayer_club@ >> > > >> > > >> > > Jai Maa, >> > > >> > > Devi >> > > >> > > --- On Fri, 8/8/08, jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@> wrote: >> > > jrholm1007 <jrholm1007@> >> > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Intercessory Prayer >> > > >> > > Friday, August 8, 2008, 3:53 PM >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > Hello Dear Friends, I have a question for anyone > who >> > feels inspired to >> > > >> > > answer. What are the teachings of this tradition on > intercessory >> > > >> > > prayer? What happens when we pray on behalf of someone else, > for >> > their >> > > >> > > well being, and/or for Divine Mother's will and blessing in > their >> > > >> > > lives? What is the best way to pray such? With gratitude, >> Jennifer >> > > >> > >> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Dear divine family, This discussion is getting very interesting with Babu Krishnan's remarks that cut across religions and with Kalidas's views about the roles of wisdom and love. I would like to add that just as we can pray to enhance the presence of God in others' lives, while enhancing our own, we are just as capable of hurting others through our negative thoughts deeds and actions. The law of connectivity works here as well and what goes round comes back. The metaphor that comes to my mind is of energy fields. We could radiate positive energy w our positive outlooks or become literally 'black holes' which exhaust everyone else's energies. I think a person's positive energy levels determine the level of effectiveness of intercessory prayers. Christ or Maa or persons of their stature are capable of miracles because they abound with all that's positive, which is equal to divine. We can all aspire to those levels for greater effectiveness positively. But sincerity, and here I would beg to differ from Kalidas, could be both positive or negative. In all sincerity the Nazis tried to create a better world... (Someone has said this before, I don't remember who, that sincerity is not enough). Sincerity with wisdom, love, compassion, respect for the divine in others... So while I think that intercessory prayers are fine.. they are probably more for ourselves unless we are able to rise above our limited selves to the higher collective consciousness, and change our energy balances from negative or neutral to positive. I could be wrong. love Manjusha , Babu Krishnan <babuk1008 wrote: > > Namastes and greetings for the veru best for all the ladies, sisters, daughters, mothers and Grand Mothers for this imprtant Friday, being the Vara Lakshmi Pooja celebrations, as we usher in the First Friday of the Shravan maas. Special Pranams to Shree Maa as She worhships Lakshmi,and should bless us all with the greatest wealth of Purity in Thought, Action and cherish our divinity,apart from from regular Artha in our lives. > > The question of intercessory prayer has been under my constant thought for some days, and I firmly believe that the Power of Prayer as an act of Intercession on behalf of someone, near to far, related or not, is so supreme and everlasting that the effects of these prayers have known to cure many an ailment, caused unhappy relationships to mend, blessings and boons became bestowed and even have confounded medical professionals. > > Just as our Shree Maa and Swamiji convene the regular prayer Clubs and ardently pray for all those and others, without any noticeable need or want and without any strings attached, nor requested, it is one of the most noble unequalled SEVA that is performed without any " expected " phalans( results ). If the receiptient is blessed, and prayers answered, that itself forms the fruits of labor and its dakshina. Just as the Old and New Testaments confirmed that Jesus was the Intercession prayer for this world ( according to Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 4:14-416 et al), the purpose of the intercession was to act as the purveyor and transmitter of our problems and wants to a higher God, thereby reinforcing the powers and effects of the prayers. It is also well established facts of lives in so many of our dear devotees that these prayers had worked as magic- meaning the miracles that abound us all in our collective lives. Adding our prayers , unsolicited and without > hesitations only help those in need, and who knows, we might be needing these st some stage. So, let us all continue the intercessions, which act as cushions against difficulties and offer support and sustenance as we gather our collective thoughts and wishes. > > Jai Maa Jai Swamiji. > > With love and peace, > > Babu Krishnan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Dear Kalidas, thank you for your clear thoughts, and especially for your gentle blessing at the end of your post. As always with this family, I feel strengthened in my faith and clearer in my reliance on prayer as a way of communing with Divine Mother and, hopefully, offering support of the highest quality to those that I love. Jennifer , " Thubten Namgyal " <anandabhairav wrote: > > Dear Jennifer, > > I think that one can say there are two moments of vision: one of > wisdom where we can see that fundamentally nothing is wrong, that the > marketplace of samsara with all of its pain is just a magic show, and > one of love where we feel intense compassion and care for the > unfathomable suffering that beings endure. This latter is Universal > Sorrow and it is constant wringing heartbreak at the terrible straits > that sentient beings find themselves in. The former is Universal > Laughter at recognizing this world as an illusory dream. > > I don't think that we should confuse the two at the time of prayer. > Wisdom may give us peace, strength and conviction but we must also > respond in a heartfelt way to the suffering of others. This is true > of their present suffering and also at the unskillful actions they > perform which will lead to suffering in the future. We should feel as > if we are a mother watching her only child being swept away by a > raging river. We must feel that sense of urgency and universal > responsibility that it is up to us alone to make things right. Their > problem is our problem, for what is self and other in reality? We > *must* accept responsibility for the welfare of all beings, just like > the Great Mother does, even if it breaks our heart. > > I think it is a factor of either the maturity of one's practice or > one's disposition whether one intercedes by invoking the Mother as an > external force or whether one recollects one's own nature as the > Mother and pray for a positive result in accord with Reality. In all > things I believe sincerity is the most important factor. With > sincerity, longing and enthusiastic perseverance, all things can be > accomplished. Techniques such as formal prayers and pujas are just a > compact between Divinity and us-- they give us confidence and act as a > conduit for grace. In the absence of sincerity, they are just a dry > formalism. > > I think that Joseph Campbell gave very good advice by saying " Follow > your bliss " . I think that you know in your heart what is right, > Jennifer. All of us are mothers, possessed of the wisdom of the Great > Mother. How can manifesting the concern of a mother ever be wrong? > > May you manifest the Divine love of us all in your prayers of concern. > > With love, > > Kalidas > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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