Changes

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Group: Nashville, Tennessee

 

 

 

Ham: Greetings, children, I am Ham and I welcome you this evening. We shall begin with an examination of prayer. Early prayers can be angry accusations, "God why did you do this to me", or personal pleas for something to be given, "God do this for me".

Ham: Greetings, children, I am Ham and I welcome you this evening. We shall begin with an examination of prayer. Early prayers can be angry accusations, "God why did you do this to me", or personal pleas for something to be given, "God do this for me".

 

Sometimes, in fact often, there is bargaining involved, "God do this for me and I will do this for you". But, as you grow in the spirit, your prayers tend to become less and less self-centered and self-motivated. Increasingly, you learn to truly pray for others and also to pray for changes in yourselves. This shift from asking God to change the world for you to asking God to change you for the world, is a long one.

Sometimes, in fact often, there is bargaining involved, "God do this for me and I will do this for you". But, as you grow in the spirit, your prayers tend to become less and less self-centered and self-motivated. Increasingly, you learn to truly pray for others and also to pray for changes in yourselves. This shift from asking God to change the world for you to asking God to change you for the world, is a long one.

Embracing humanity involves embracing all of it and embracing yourselves involves embracing all of you. People who have survived terrible experiences are often later racked with guilt over having experienced that inner will to survival that blocked out everything else. But this is part of being human and your human parts are just as real as your spiritual parts. That drive towards self-preservation was put there by Father for the good of all his people.

Embracing humanity involves embracing all of it and embracing yourselves involves embracing all of you. People who have survived terrible experiences are often later racked with guilt over having experienced that inner will to survival that blocked out everything else. But this is part of being human and your human parts are just as real as your spiritual parts. That drive towards self-preservation was put there by Father for the good of all his people.

Do not be ashamed of yourselves for being human beings. Do not make the mistake of creating an ideal that is purely spiritual and imagining that you should live in that ideal then chastising yourselves when you fall short. You can, however, through the life of prayer gradually make steps towards the spiritual without abandoning your humanity. We spoke last week of the ideal creating a false reality, the idea of being completely detached and unconcerned with the world. The spiritual life embraces the human life, it does not supplant it, it enhances it.As you continue to grow in the spirit, many things in you life will change. Things will be easier to cope with as you grow in self-acceptance and self awareness. Hardships will come, yes, but you will find it easier to live with them. Have the courage to increase your prayer life. Pray for all of those around you and pray for yourselves with complete sincerity ask to gracefully relinquish the things that do not serve and to embrace ever greater spiritual realities. Learn to expand your relationship with the Father. Bring him actively into your lives with prayer.

Do not be ashamed of yourselves for being human beings. Do not make the mistake of creating an ideal that is purely spiritual and imagining that you should live in that ideal then chastising yourselves when you fall short. You can, however, through the life of prayer gradually make steps towards the spiritual without abandoning your humanity.  

To Whom Should I address My Prayers?

To Whom Should I address My Prayers?

Ham: Soldiers on the eve of battle often become frightened and full of self doubt. Then come the morrow are they inwardly prepared and ready to face their duties. Sometimes, you go through this syndrome of severe self doubt before the battle. Realize that this is simply a part of your training that each new challenge being faced and tackled regardless of the outcome is helpful to you. Therefore be at ease. . . . .

Ham: Soldiers on the eve of battle often become frightened and full of self doubt. Then come the morrow are they inwardly prepared and ready to face their duties. Sometimes, you go through this syndrome of severe self doubt before the battle. Realize that this is simply a part of your training that each new challenge being faced and tackled regardless of the outcome is helpful to you. Therefore be at ease. . . . .

 

Very well then my children. It is wonderful to see you all doing so well and making such steady constant progress. Embrace each other, love each other, for you are indeed on a special mission together. These ties will not be broken throughout eternity. Therefore, love and be loved. Accept your appointments and as always go forth with my love and my prayers beside you.

Very well then my children. It is wonderful to see you all doing so well and making such steady constant progress. Embrace each other, love each other, for you are indeed on a special mission together. These ties will not be broken throughout eternity. Therefore, love and be loved. Accept your appointments and as always go forth with my love and my prayers beside you.