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146:2.1 While the common people of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jotapta Jotapata] heard [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] gladly and many [[accepted]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], it was the [[discourse]] of [[Jesus]] to the twenty-four on the second evening of their [[sojourn]] in this small town that distinguishes the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jotapata Jotapata] [[mission]]. [[Nathaniel]] was [[confused]] in his [[mind]] about [[the Master]]'s teachings concerning [[prayer]], [[thanksgiving]], and [[worship]], and in [[response]] to his question [[Jesus]] spoke at great length in further [[explanation]] of his teaching. Summarized in [[modern]] phraseology, this [[discourse]] may be presented as [[emphasizing]] the following points:

146:2.1 While the common people of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jotapta Jotapata] heard [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] gladly and many [[accepted]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]], it was the [[discourse]] of [[Jesus]] to the twenty-four on the second evening of their [[sojourn]] in this small town that distinguishes the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jotapata Jotapata] [[mission]]. [[Nathaniel]] was [[confused]] in his [[mind]] about [[the Master]]'s teachings concerning [[prayer]], [[thanksgiving]], and [[worship]], and in [[response]] to his question [[Jesus]] spoke at great length in further [[explanation]] of his teaching. Summarized in [[modern]] phraseology, this [[discourse]] may be presented as [[emphasizing]] the following points:

146:2.2 1. The [[conscious]] and [[persistent]] regard for [[iniquity]] in the [[heart]] of man [[gradually]] destroys the [[prayer]] [[connection]] of the [[human]] [[soul]] with the [[spirit]] [[circuits]] of [[communication]] between man and his [[Creator|Maker]]. Naturally [[God]] hears the [[petition]] of his child, but when the [[human]] [[heart]] [[deliberately]] and [[persistently]] [[harbor]]s the [[concepts]] of [[iniquity]], there [[gradually]] ensues the loss of [[personal]] [[communion]] between the [[earth]] child and his [[heavenly Father]].

146:2.2 1. The [[conscious]] and [[persistent]] regard for [[iniquity]] in the [[heart]] of man [[gradually]] destroys the [[prayer]] [[connection]] of the [[human]] [[soul]] with the [[spirit]] [[circuits]] of [[communication]] between man and his [[Creator|Maker]]. Naturally [[God]] hears the [[petition]] of his child, but when the [[human]] [[heart]] [[deliberately]] and [[persistently]] [[harbor]]s the [[concepts]] of [[iniquity]], there [[gradually]] ensues the loss of [[personal]] [[communion]] between the [[earth]] child and his [[heavenly Father]].

146:2.3 2. That [[prayer]] which is inconsistent with the known and [[established]] [[laws]] of [[God]] is an [[abomination]] to the [[Paradise Deities]]. If man will not [[listen]] to [[the Gods]] as they [[speak]] to their [[creation]] in the [[laws]] of [[spirit]], [[mind]], and [[matter]], the very [[act]] of such [[deliberate]] and [[conscious]] disdain by the [[creature]] turns the ears of [[spirit]] [[personalities]] away from hearing the [[personal]] [[petitions]] of such lawless and disobedient [[mortals]]. [[Jesus]] quoted to his [[apostles]] from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah Prophet Zechariah]: " But they refused to hearken and pulled away the shoulder and stopped their ears that they should not hear. Yes, they made their [[hearts]] adamant like a stone, lest they should hear my [[law]] and the [[words]] which I sent by my [[spirit]] through [[the prophets]]; therefore did the results of their [[evil]] [[thinking]] come as a great [[wrath]] upon their [[guilty]] heads. And so it came to pass that they cried for [[mercy]], but there was no ear open to hear. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Zechariah#Chapter_.7] And then [[Jesus]] quoted the [[proverb]] of the [[wise]] man who said: " He who turns away his ear from hearing the [[divine]] [[law]], even his [[prayer]] shall be an [[abomination]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.28]

146:2.3 2. That [[prayer]] which is inconsistent with the known and [[established]] [[laws]] of [[God]] is an [[abomination]] to the [[Paradise Deities]]. If man will not [[listen]] to [[the Gods]] as they [[speak]] to their [[creation]] in the [[laws]] of [[spirit]], [[mind]], and [[matter]], the very [[act]] of such [[deliberate]] and [[conscious]] disdain by the [[creature]] turns the ears of [[spirit]] [[personalities]] away from hearing the [[personal]] [[petitions]] of such lawless and disobedient [[mortals]]. [[Jesus]] quoted to his [[apostles]] from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah Prophet Zechariah]: " But they refused to hearken and pulled away the shoulder and stopped their ears that they should not hear. Yes, they made their [[hearts]] adamant like a stone, lest they should hear my [[law]] and the [[words]] which I sent by my [[spirit]] through [[the prophets]]; therefore did the results of their [[evil]] [[thinking]] come as a great [[wrath]] upon their [[guilty]] heads. And so it came to pass that they cried for [[mercy]], but there was no ear open to hear. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Zechariah#Chapter_.7] And then [[Jesus]] quoted the [[proverb]] of the [[wise]] man who said: " He who turns away his ear from hearing the [[divine]] [[law]], even his [[prayer]] shall be an [[abomination]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.28]

146:2.4 3. By opening the [[human]] end of the [[channel]] of the [[God]]-[[man]] [[communication]], [[mortals]] make [[immediately]] available the ever-[[flowing]] stream of [[divine]] ministry to the [[creatures]] of [[the worlds]]. When [[man]] hears [[God]]'s [[spirit]] speak within the [[human]] [[heart]], [[inherent]] in such an [[experience]] is the [[fact]] that [[God]] [[simultaneously]] hears that man's [[prayer]]. Even the [[forgiveness]] of [[sin]] operates in this same unerring [[fashion]]. [[The Father]] in heaven has [[forgiven]] you even before you have [[thought]] to ask him, but such [[forgiveness]] is not available in your [[personal]] [[religious]] [[experience]] until such a [[time]] as you [[forgive]] your fellow men. [[God]]'s [[forgiveness]] in [[fact]] is not conditioned upon your forgiving your fellows, but in [[experience]] it is exactly so conditioned. And this [[fact]] of the [[synchrony]] of [[divine]] and [[human]] [[forgiveness]] was thus [[recognized]] and linked [[together]] in the [[prayer]] which [[Jesus]] taught [[the apostles]].

146:2.4 3. By opening the [[human]] end of the [[channel]] of the [[God]]-[[man]] [[communication]], [[mortals]] make [[immediately]] available the ever-[[flowing]] stream of [[divine]] ministry to the [[creatures]] of [[the worlds]]. When [[man]] hears [[God]]'s [[spirit]] speak within the [[human]] [[heart]], [[inherent]] in such an [[experience]] is the [[fact]] that [[God]] [[simultaneously]] hears that man's [[prayer]]. Even the [[forgiveness]] of [[sin]] operates in this same unerring [[fashion]]. [[The Father]] in heaven has [[forgiven]] you even before you have [[thought]] to ask him, but such [[forgiveness]] is not available in your [[personal]] [[religious]] [[experience]] until such a [[time]] as you [[forgive]] your fellow men. [[God]]'s [[forgiveness]] in [[fact]] is not conditioned upon your forgiving your fellows, but in [[experience]] it is exactly so conditioned. And this [[fact]] of the [[synchrony]] of [[divine]] and [[human]] [[forgiveness]] was thus [[recognized]] and linked [[together]] in the [[prayer]] which [[Jesus]] taught [[the apostles]].

146:2.5 4. There is a basic [[law]] of [[justice]] in the [[universe]] which [[mercy]] is powerless to circumvent. The [[unselfish]] [[glories]] of [[Paradise]] are not possible of [[reception]] by a thoroughly [[selfish]] [[creature]] of the realms of [[time and space]]. Even the [[infinite]] [[love]] of [[God]] cannot [[force]] the [[salvation]] of eternal [[survival]] upon any [[mortal]] [[creature]] who does not [[choose]] to [[survive]]. [[Mercy]] has great [[latitude]] of [[bestowal]], but, after all, there are [[mandates]] of [[justice]] which even [[love]] combined with [[mercy]] cannot effectively [[abrogate]]. Again [[Jesus]] quoted from the [[Hebrew scriptures]]: " I have called and you refused to [[hear]]; I stretched out my hand, but no man regarded. You have set at naught all my [[counsel]], and you have rejected my [[reproof]], and because of this [[rebellious]] [[attitude]] it becomes [[inevitable]] that you shall call upon me and fail to [[receive]] an answer. Having rejected the way of life, you may seek me [[diligently]] in your times of [[suffering]], but you will not find me. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.1]

146:2.5 4. There is a basic [[law]] of [[justice]] in the [[universe]] which [[mercy]] is powerless to circumvent. The [[unselfish]] [[glories]] of [[Paradise]] are not possible of [[reception]] by a thoroughly [[selfish]] [[creature]] of the realms of [[time and space]]. Even the [[infinite]] [[love]] of [[God]] cannot [[force]] the [[salvation]] of eternal [[survival]] upon any [[mortal]] [[creature]] who does not [[choose]] to [[survive]]. [[Mercy]] has great [[latitude]] of [[bestowal]], but, after all, there are [[mandates]] of [[justice]] which even [[love]] combined with [[mercy]] cannot effectively [[abrogate]]. Again [[Jesus]] quoted from the [[Hebrew scriptures]]: " I have called and you refused to [[hear]]; I stretched out my hand, but no man regarded. You have set at naught all my [[counsel]], and you have rejected my [[reproof]], and because of this [[rebellious]] [[attitude]] it becomes [[inevitable]] that you shall call upon me and fail to [[receive]] an answer. Having rejected the way of life, you may seek me [[diligently]] in your times of [[suffering]], but you will not find me. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.1]

146:2.6 5. They who would [[receive]] [[mercy]] must show [[mercy]]; [[judge]] not that you be not judged. With the [[spirit]] with which you judge others you also shall be judged. [[Mercy]] does not wholly [[abrogate]] [[universe]] [[fairness]]. In the end it will [[prove]] true: " Whoso stops his ears to the [[cry]] of the [[poor]], he also shall some day cry for [[help]], and no one will [[hear]] him. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Wisdom_of_Jesus,_Son_of_Sirach#Sirach_28] The [[sincerity]] of any [[prayer]] is the [[assurance]] of its being heard; the [[spiritual]] [[wisdom]] and [[universe]] [[consistency]] of any [[petition]] is the determiner of the [[time]], [[manner]], and [[degree]] of the answer. A [[wise]] [[father]] does not [[literally]] answer the [[foolish]] [[prayers]] of his [[ignorant]] and inexperienced [[children]], albeit the [[children]] may derive much [[pleasure]] and real [[soul]] [[satisfaction]] from the making of such [[absurd]] [[petitions]].

146:2.6 5. They who would [[receive]] [[mercy]] must show [[mercy]]; [[judge]] not that you be not judged. With the [[spirit]] with which you judge others you also shall be judged. [[Mercy]] does not wholly [[abrogate]] [[universe]] [[fairness]]. In the end it will [[prove]] true: " Whoso stops his ears to the [[cry]] of the [[poor]], he also shall some day cry for [[help]], and no one will [[hear]] him. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Wisdom_of_Jesus,_Son_of_Sirach#Sirach_28] The [[sincerity]] of any [[prayer]] is the [[assurance]] of its being heard; the [[spiritual]] [[wisdom]] and [[universe]] [[consistency]] of any [[petition]] is the determiner of the [[time]], [[manner]], and [[degree]] of the answer. A [[wise]] [[father]] does not [[literally]] answer the [[foolish]] [[prayers]] of his [[ignorant]] and inexperienced [[children]], albeit the [[children]] may derive much [[pleasure]] and real [[soul]] [[satisfaction]] from the making of such [[absurd]] [[petitions]].

146:2.7 6. When you have become wholly [[dedicated]] to the [[doing of the will of the Father]] in [[heaven]], the answer to all your [[petitions]] will be forthcoming because your [[prayers]] will be in full [[accordance]] with [[the Father]]'s will, and the Father's will is ever [[manifest]] throughout his [[vast universe]]. What the true son [[desires]] and the [[infinite]] [[Father]] wills IS. Such a [[prayer]] cannot remain unanswered, and no other sort of [[petition]] can possibly be fully answered.

146:2.7 6. When you have become wholly [[dedicated]] to the [[doing of the will of the Father]] in [[heaven]], the answer to all your [[petitions]] will be forthcoming because your [[prayers]] will be in full [[accordance]] with [[the Father]]'s will, and the Father's will is ever [[manifest]] throughout his [[vast universe]]. What the true son [[desires]] and the [[infinite]] [[Father]] wills IS. Such a [[prayer]] cannot remain unanswered, and no other sort of [[petition]] can possibly be fully answered.

146:2.8 7. The [[cry]] of the [[righteous]] is the [[faith]] [[act]] of the [[child]] of [[God]] which opens the door of [[the Father]]'s storehouse of [[goodness]], [[truth]], and [[mercy]], and these [[good]] [[gifts]] have long been in waiting for the son's approach and [[personal]] appropriation. [[Prayer]] does not [[change]] the [[divine]] [[attitude]] toward man, but it does [[change]] man's [[attitude]] toward the changeless [[Universal Father|Father]]. The [[motive]] of the [[prayer]] gives it right of way to the [[divine]] ear, not the [[social]], [[economic]], or outward [[religious]] [[status]] of the one who [[prays]].

146:2.8 7. The [[cry]] of the [[righteous]] is the [[faith]] [[act]] of the [[child]] of [[God]] which opens the door of [[the Father]]'s storehouse of [[goodness]], [[truth]], and [[mercy]], and these [[good]] [[gifts]] have long been in waiting for the son's approach and [[personal]] appropriation. [[Prayer]] does not [[change]] the [[divine]] [[attitude]] toward man, but it does [[change]] man's [[attitude]] toward the changeless [[Universal Father|Father]]. The [[motive]] of the [[prayer]] gives it right of way to the [[divine]] ear, not the [[social]], [[economic]], or outward [[religious]] [[status]] of the one who [[prays]].

146:2.9 8. [[Prayer]] may not be employed to avoid the [[delays]] of [[time]] or to [[transcend]] the [[handicaps]] of [[space]]. [[Prayer]] is not [[designed]] as a [[technique]] for [[aggrandizing]] [[self]] or for gaining unfair [[advantage]] over one's fellows. A thoroughly [[selfish]] [[soul]] cannot [[pray]] in the true sense of the [[word]]. Said [[Jesus]]: " Let your [[supreme]] [[delight]] be in the [[character]] of [[God]], and he shall surely give you the [[sincere]] [[desires]] of your [[heart]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_37] " [[Commit]] your way to the Lord; [[trust]] in him, and he will [[act]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_37] " For the Lord [[hears]] the [[cry]] of the [[Poor|needy]], and he will regard the [[prayer]] of the destitute. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_102]

146:2.9 8. [[Prayer]] may not be employed to avoid the [[delays]] of [[time]] or to [[transcend]] the [[handicaps]] of [[space]]. [[Prayer]] is not [[designed]] as a [[technique]] for [[aggrandizing]] [[self]] or for gaining unfair [[advantage]] over one's fellows. A thoroughly [[selfish]] [[soul]] cannot [[pray]] in the true sense of the [[word]]. Said [[Jesus]]: " Let your [[supreme]] [[delight]] be in the [[character]] of [[God]], and he shall surely give you the [[sincere]] [[desires]] of your [[heart]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_37] " [[Commit]] your way to the Lord; [[trust]] in him, and he will [[act]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_37] " For the Lord [[hears]] the [[cry]] of the [[Poor|needy]], and he will regard the [[prayer]] of the destitute. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_102]

146:2.10 9. " I have come forth from [[the Father]]; if, therefore, you are ever in [[doubt]] as to what you would ask of [[the Father]], ask in my [[name]], and I will present your [[petition]] in [[accordance]] with your real [[needs]] and [[desires]] and in [[accordance]] with [[my Father]]'s will. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_14] Guard against the great [[danger]] of becoming [[self]]-[[centered]] in your [[prayers]]. Avoid praying much for yourself; [[pray]] more for the [[spiritual]] [[progress]] of your brethren. Avoid [[materialistic]] praying; pray in the [[spirit]] and for the [[abundance]] of the [[gifts]] of the [[spirit]].

146:2.10 9. " I have come forth from [[the Father]]; if, therefore, you are ever in [[doubt]] as to what you would ask of [[the Father]], ask in my [[name]], and I will present your [[petition]] in [[accordance]] with your real [[needs]] and [[desires]] and in [[accordance]] with [[my Father]]'s will. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_14] Guard against the great [[danger]] of becoming [[self]]-[[centered]] in your [[prayers]]. Avoid praying much for yourself; [[pray]] more for the [[spiritual]] [[progress]] of your brethren. Avoid [[materialistic]] praying; pray in the [[spirit]] and for the [[abundance]] of the [[gifts]] of the [[spirit]].

146:2.11 10. When you [[pray]] for the [[sick]] and afflicted, do not [[expect]] that your [[petitions]] will take the place of loving and [[intelligent]] [[ministry]] to the [[necessities]] of these afflicted ones. Pray for the [[welfare]] of your [[families]], [[friends]], and fellows, but especially [[pray]] for those who [[curse]] you, and make loving [[petitions]] for those who [[persecute]] you. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_5] But when to [[pray]], I will not say. Only [[Thought Adjuster|the spirit that dwells within you]] may move you to the utterance of those [[petitions]] which are [[expressive]] of your inner [[relationship]] with [[the Father]] of spirits. "

146:2.11 10. When you [[pray]] for the [[sick]] and afflicted, do not [[expect]] that your [[petitions]] will take the place of loving and [[intelligent]] [[ministry]] to the [[necessities]] of these afflicted ones. Pray for the [[welfare]] of your [[families]], [[friends]], and fellows, but especially [[pray]] for those who [[curse]] you, and make loving [[petitions]] for those who [[persecute]] you. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_5] But when to [[pray]], I will not say. Only [[Thought Adjuster|the spirit that dwells within you]] may move you to the utterance of those [[petitions]] which are [[expressive]] of your inner [[relationship]] with [[the Father]] of spirits. "

146:2.12 11. Many resort to [[prayer]] only when in [[trouble]]. Such a [[practice]] is thoughtless and misleading. True, you do well to [[pray]] when harassed, but you should also be [[mindful]] to [[speak]] as a son to y[[our Father]] even when all goes well with your [[soul]]. Let your real [[petitions]] always be in [[secret]].[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_6] Do not let men hear your [[personal]] [[prayers]]. [[Prayers]] of [[thanksgiving]] are appropriate for [[groups]] of [[worshipers]], but the [[prayer]] of the [[soul]] is a [[personal]] matter. There is but one [[form]] of [[prayer]] which is appropriate for all [[God]]'s [[children]], and that is: " Nevertheless, your will be done. "

146:2.12 11. Many resort to [[prayer]] only when in [[trouble]]. Such a [[practice]] is thoughtless and misleading. True, you do well to [[pray]] when harassed, but you should also be [[mindful]] to [[speak]] as a son to y[[our Father]] even when all goes well with your [[soul]]. Let your real [[petitions]] always be in [[secret]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_6] Do not let men hear your [[personal]] [[prayers]]. [[Prayers]] of [[thanksgiving]] are appropriate for [[groups]] of [[worshipers]], but the [[prayer]] of the [[soul]] is a [[personal]] matter. There is but one [[form]] of [[prayer]] which is appropriate for all [[God]]'s [[children]], and that is: " Nevertheless, your will be done. "

146:2.13 12. All [[believers]] in this [[gospel]] should [[pray]] [[sincerely]] for the extension of [[the kingdom]] of heaven. Of all the [[prayers]] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]] he commented most approvingly on the [[petition]] of the Psalmist: " Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_51] [[Purge]] me from [[secret]] [[sins]] and keep back your servant from presumptuous [[transgression]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_19] [[Jesus]] commented at great length on the [[relation]] of [[prayer]] to careless and offending [[speech]], quoting: " Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_141] " The human tongue, " said [[Jesus]], " is a member which few men can tame,[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_James#James_III] but the [[spirit]] within can [[transform]] this unruly member into a [[kindly]] [[voice]] of [[tolerance]] and an [[inspiring]] minister of [[mercy]]. "

146:2.13 12. All [[believers]] in this [[gospel]] should [[pray]] [[sincerely]] for the extension of [[the kingdom]] of heaven. Of all the [[prayers]] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]] he commented most approvingly on the [[petition]] of the Psalmist: " Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_51] [[Purge]] me from [[secret]] [[sins]] and keep back your servant from presumptuous [[transgression]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_19] [[Jesus]] commented at great length on the [[relation]] of [[prayer]] to careless and offending [[speech]], quoting: " Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_141] " The human tongue, " said [[Jesus]], " is a member which few men can tame,[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_James#James_III] but the [[spirit]] within can [[transform]] this unruly member into a [[kindly]] [[voice]] of [[tolerance]] and an [[inspiring]] minister of [[mercy]]. "

146:2.14 13. [[Jesus]] taught that the [[prayer]] for [[divine]] [[guidance]] over the [[pathway]] of [[earthly]] life was next in importance to the [[petition]] for a [[knowledge]] of [[the Father]]'s will. In [[reality]] this means a [[prayer]] for [[divine]] [[wisdom]]. [[Jesus]] never taught that [[knowledge]] and special [[skill]] could be gained by [[prayer]]. But he did [[teach]] that [[prayer]] is a [[factor]] in the enlargement of one's [[capacity]] to [[receive]] the [[presence]] of the [[Thought Adjuster|divine spirit]]. When [[Jesus]] taught his [[associates]] to [[pray]] in the [[spirit]] and in [[truth]], he [[explained]] that he referred to [[praying]] [[sincerely]] and in [[accordance]] with one's [[enlightenment]], to praying wholeheartedly and [[intelligently]], [[earnestly]] and [[steadfastly]].

146:2.14 13. [[Jesus]] taught that the [[prayer]] for [[divine]] [[guidance]] over the [[pathway]] of [[earthly]] life was next in importance to the [[petition]] for a [[knowledge]] of [[the Father]]'s will. In [[reality]] this means a [[prayer]] for [[divine]] [[wisdom]]. [[Jesus]] never taught that [[knowledge]] and special [[skill]] could be gained by [[prayer]]. But he did [[teach]] that [[prayer]] is a [[factor]] in the enlargement of one's [[capacity]] to [[receive]] the [[presence]] of the [[Thought Adjuster|divine spirit]]. When [[Jesus]] taught his [[associates]] to [[pray]] in the [[spirit]] and in [[truth]], he [[explained]] that he referred to [[praying]] [[sincerely]] and in [[accordance]] with one's [[enlightenment]], to praying wholeheartedly and [[intelligently]], [[earnestly]] and [[steadfastly]].

146:2.15 14. [[Jesus]] warned his followers against [[thinking]] that their [[prayers]] would be rendered more efficacious by ornate [[repetitions]], [[eloquent]] phraseology, [[fasting]], [[penance]], or [[sacrifices]]. But he did exhort his [[believers]] to employ [[prayer]] as a means of [[leading]] up through [[thanksgiving]] to true [[worship]]. [[Jesus]] deplored that so little of the [[spirit]] of [[thanksgiving]] was to be found in the [[prayers]] and [[worship]] of his followers. He quoted from the [[Scriptures]] on this occasion, saying: " It is a [[good]] thing to give [[thanks]] to the Lord and to [[sing]] [[praises]] to the [[name]] of the [[Most High]], to acknowledge his loving-[[kindness]] every morning and his [[faithfulness]] every night, for [[God]] has made me [[glad]] through his [[work]]. In [[everything]] I will give [[thanks]] according to the will of [[God]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_92]

146:2.15 14. [[Jesus]] warned his followers against [[thinking]] that their [[prayers]] would be rendered more efficacious by ornate [[repetitions]], [[eloquent]] phraseology, [[fasting]], [[penance]], or [[sacrifices]]. But he did exhort his [[believers]] to employ [[prayer]] as a means of [[leading]] up through [[thanksgiving]] to true [[worship]]. [[Jesus]] deplored that so little of the [[spirit]] of [[thanksgiving]] was to be found in the [[prayers]] and [[worship]] of his followers. He quoted from the [[Scriptures]] on this occasion, saying: " It is a [[good]] thing to give [[thanks]] to the Lord and to [[sing]] [[praises]] to the [[name]] of the [[Most High]], to acknowledge his loving-[[kindness]] every morning and his [[faithfulness]] every night, for [[God]] has made me [[glad]] through his [[work]]. In [[everything]] I will give [[thanks]] according to the will of [[God]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms#Psalm_92]

146:2.16 15. And then [[Jesus]] said: " Be not constantly overanxious about your common needs. Be not apprehensive concerning the [[problems]] of your [[earth]]ly [[existence]], but in all these [[things]] by [[prayer]] and supplication, with the [[spirit]] of [[sincere]] [[thanksgiving]], let your needs be spread out before y[[our Father]] who is in heaven. " Then he quoted from the [[Scriptures]]: " I will [[praise]] the [[name]] of [[God]] with a [[song]] and will [[magnify]] him with [[thanksgiving]]. And this will please the Lord better than the [[sacrifice]] of an ox or bullock with horns and hoofs. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_69]

146:2.16 15. And then [[Jesus]] said: " Be not constantly overanxious about your common needs. Be not apprehensive concerning the [[problems]] of your [[earth]]ly [[existence]], but in all these [[things]] by [[prayer]] and supplication, with the [[spirit]] of [[sincere]] [[thanksgiving]], let your needs be spread out before y[[our Father]] who is in heaven. " Then he quoted from the [[Scriptures]]: " I will [[praise]] the [[name]] of [[God]] with a [[song]] and will [[magnify]] him with [[thanksgiving]]. And this will please the Lord better than the [[sacrifice]] of an ox or bullock with horns and hoofs. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_69]

146:2.17 16. [[Jesus]] taught his followers that, when they had made their [[prayers]] to [[the Father]], they should remain for a time in [[silent]] [[receptivity]] to afford the [[indwelling spirit]] the better [[opportunity]] to speak to the [[listening]] [[soul]]. The [[Thought Adjuster|spirit]] of [[the Father]] speaks best to man when the [[human]] [[mind]] is in an [[attitude]] of true [[worship]]. We worship [[God]] by the aid of [[the Father]]'s [[indwelling spirit]] and by the [[illumination]] of the human [[mind]] through the [[ministry]] of [[truth]]. [[Worship]], taught [[Jesus]], makes one increasingly like the [[being]] who is [[worshiped]]. [[Worship]] is a [[transforming]] [[experience]] whereby the [[finite]] [[gradually]] approaches and [[ultimately]] [[attains]] the [[presence]] of the [[Infinite]].

146:2.17 16. [[Jesus]] taught his followers that, when they had made their [[prayers]] to [[the Father]], they should remain for a time in [[silent]] [[receptivity]] to afford the [[indwelling spirit]] the better [[opportunity]] to speak to the [[listening]] [[soul]]. The [[Thought Adjuster|spirit]] of [[the Father]] speaks best to man when the [[human]] [[mind]] is in an [[attitude]] of true [[worship]]. We worship [[God]] by the aid of [[the Father]]'s [[indwelling spirit]] and by the [[illumination]] of the human [[mind]] through the [[ministry]] of [[truth]]. [[Worship]], taught [[Jesus]], makes one increasingly like the [[being]] who is [[worshiped]]. [[Worship]] is a [[transforming]] [[experience]] whereby the [[finite]] [[gradually]] approaches and [[ultimately]] [[attains]] the [[presence]] of the [[Infinite]].

146:2.18 And many other [[truths]] did [[Jesus]] tell his [[apostles]] about man's [[communion]] with [[God]], but not many of them could fully [[encompass]] his teaching.

146:2.18 And many other [[truths]] did [[Jesus]] tell his [[apostles]] about man's [[communion]] with [[God]], but not many of them could fully [[encompass]] his teaching.

<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_146 Go to Paper 146]</center>

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_146 Go to Paper 146]</center>

<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

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[[Category: Paper 146 - First Preaching Tour of Galilee]]

[[Category: Paper 146 - First Preaching Tour of Galilee]]

[[Category: Prayer]]

[[Category: Prayer]]