Changes

==PAPER 91: THE EVOLUTION OF PRAYER==

==PAPER 91: THE EVOLUTION OF PRAYER==

91:0.1 [[Prayer]], as an [[agency]] of [[religion]], evolved from previous nonreligious monologue and [[dialogue]] [[expressions]]. With the [[attainment]] of [[self-consciousness]] by [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] there occurred the [[inevitable]] corollary of [[other]]-[[consciousness]], the [[dual]] [[potential]] of [[social]] [[response]] and [[God]] [[recognition]].

91:0.1 [[Prayer]], as an [[agency]] of [[religion]], evolved from previous nonreligious monologue and [[dialogue]] [[expressions]]. With the [[attainment]] of [[self-consciousness]] by [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] there occurred the [[inevitable]] corollary of [[other]]-[[consciousness]], the [[dual]] [[potential]] of [[social]] [[response]] and [[God]] [[recognition]].

91:0.2 The earliest [[prayer]] forms were not addressed to [[Deity]]. These [[expressions]] were much like what you would say to a [[friend]] as you entered upon some important undertaking, "[[Wish]] me [[luck]]." [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] was [[enslaved]] to [[magic]]; [[luck]], good and bad, entered into all the affairs of life. At first, these luck [[petitions]] were monologues—just a kind of [[thinking]] out loud by the [[magic]] server. Next, these believers in [[luck]] would enlist the support of their [[friends]] and [[families]], and presently some [[form]] of [[ceremony]] would be [[performed]] which included the whole [[clan]] or [[tribe]].

91:0.2 The earliest [[prayer]] forms were not addressed to [[Deity]]. These [[expressions]] were much like what you would say to a [[friend]] as you entered upon some important undertaking, "[[Wish]] me [[luck]]." [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] was [[enslaved]] to [[magic]]; [[luck]], good and bad, entered into all the affairs of life. At first, these luck [[petitions]] were monologues—just a kind of [[thinking]] out loud by the [[magic]] server. Next, these believers in [[luck]] would enlist the support of their [[friends]] and [[families]], and presently some [[form]] of [[ceremony]] would be [[performed]] which included the whole [[clan]] or [[tribe]].

91:0.3 When the [[concepts]] of [[ghosts]] and spirits evolved, these [[petitions]] became [[superhuman]] in address, and with the [[consciousness]] of [[gods]], such [[expressions]] [[attained]] to the levels of genuine [[prayer]]. As an [[illustration]] of this, among certain Australian [[tribes]] primitive religious [[prayers]] antedated their [[belief]] in spirits and [[superhuman]] [[personalities]].

91:0.3 When the [[concepts]] of [[ghosts]] and spirits evolved, these [[petitions]] became [[superhuman]] in address, and with the [[consciousness]] of [[gods]], such [[expressions]] [[attained]] to the levels of genuine [[prayer]]. As an [[illustration]] of this, among certain Australian [[tribes]] primitive religious [[prayers]] antedated their [[belief]] in spirits and [[superhuman]] [[personalities]].

==91:1. PRIMITIVE PRAYER==

==91:1. PRIMITIVE PRAYER==

91:1.1 The [[function]] of early [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion] is to [[conserve]] and augment the [[essential]] [[social]], [[moral]], and [[spiritual]] [[values]] which are slowly taking [[form]]. This mission of [[religion]] is not [[consciously]] [[observed]] by [[mankind]], but it is chiefly [[effected]] by the [[function]] of [[prayer]]. The [[practice]] of prayer [[represents]] the unintended, but nonetheless [[personal]] and [[collective]], [[effort]] of any [[group]] to secure (to [[actualize]]) this conservation of higher [[values]]. But for the safeguarding of [[prayer]], all holy days would speedily revert to the [[status]] of mere holidays.

91:1.1 The [[function]] of early [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion] is to [[conserve]] and augment the [[essential]] [[social]], [[moral]], and [[spiritual]] [[values]] which are slowly taking [[form]]. This mission of [[religion]] is not [[consciously]] [[observed]] by [[mankind]], but it is chiefly [[effected]] by the [[function]] of [[prayer]]. The [[practice]] of prayer [[represents]] the unintended, but nonetheless [[personal]] and [[collective]], [[effort]] of any [[group]] to secure (to [[actualize]]) this conservation of higher [[values]]. But for the safeguarding of [[prayer]], all holy days would speedily revert to the [[status]] of mere holidays.

91:1.2 [[Religion]] and its [[agencies]], the chief of which is [[prayer]], are allied only with those [[values]] which have general [[social]] [[recognition]], group approval. Therefore, when [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] attempted to gratify his baser [[emotions]] or to achieve unmitigated [[selfish]] [[ambitions]], he was deprived of the consolation of [[religion]] and the [[assistance]] of [[prayer]]. If the [[individual]] sought to accomplish anything antisocial, he was obliged to seek the aid of nonreligious [[magic]], resort to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maleficium_%28sorcery%29 sorcerers], and thus be deprived of the [[assistance]] of [[prayer]]. Prayer, therefore, very early became a mighty promoter of [[social]] [[evolution]], [[moral]] [[progress]], and [[spiritual]] [[attainment]].

91:1.2 [[Religion]] and its [[agencies]], the chief of which is [[prayer]], are allied only with those [[values]] which have general [[social]] [[recognition]], group approval. Therefore, when [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] attempted to gratify his baser [[emotions]] or to achieve unmitigated [[selfish]] [[ambitions]], he was deprived of the consolation of [[religion]] and the [[assistance]] of [[prayer]]. If the [[individual]] sought to accomplish anything antisocial, he was obliged to seek the aid of nonreligious [[magic]], resort to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maleficium_%28sorcery%29 sorcerers], and thus be deprived of the [[assistance]] of [[prayer]]. Prayer, therefore, very early became a mighty promoter of [[social]] [[evolution]], [[moral]] [[progress]], and [[spiritual]] [[attainment]].

91:1.3 But the [[primitive]] [[mind]] was neither [[logical]] nor [[consistent]]. Early men did not [[perceive]] that [[material]] [[things]] were not the province of [[prayer]]. These [[simple]]-minded [[souls]] reasoned that [[food]], [[shelter]], rain, game, and other [[material]] goods enhanced the social welfare, and therefore they began to [[pray]] for these [[physical]] [[blessings]]. While this constituted a [[perversion]] of [[prayer]], it [[encouraged]] the [[effort]] to [[realize]] these material objectives by [[social]] and [[ethical]] [[actions]]. Such a [[prostitution]] of [[prayer]], while debasing the [[spiritual]] [[values]] of a people, nevertheless directly elevated their [[economic]], [[social]], and [[ethical]] [[mores]].

91:1.3 But the [[primitive]] [[mind]] was neither [[logical]] nor [[consistent]]. Early men did not [[perceive]] that [[material]] [[things]] were not the province of [[prayer]]. These [[simple]]-minded [[souls]] reasoned that [[food]], [[shelter]], rain, game, and other [[material]] goods enhanced the social welfare, and therefore they began to [[pray]] for these [[physical]] [[blessings]]. While this constituted a [[perversion]] of [[prayer]], it [[encouraged]] the [[effort]] to [[realize]] these material objectives by [[social]] and [[ethical]] [[actions]]. Such a [[prostitution]] of [[prayer]], while debasing the [[spiritual]] [[values]] of a people, nevertheless directly elevated their [[economic]], [[social]], and [[ethical]] [[mores]].

91:3.3 As it is conceived by [[successive]] [[generations]] of praying [[mortals]], the [[alter ego]] evolves up through [[ghosts]], [[fetishes]], and spirits to [[polytheistic]] gods, and [[eventually]] to the One [[God]], a [[divine]] [[being]] embodying the highest [[ideals]] and the loftiest [[aspirations]] of the praying [[ego]]. And thus does [[prayer]] [[function]] as the most [[potent]] [[agency]] of [[religion]] in the [[conservation]] of the highest [[values]] and [[ideals]] of those who pray. From the [[moment]] of the conceiving of an [[alter ego]] to the [[appearance]] of the [[concept]] of a [[divine]] and heavenly [[Father]], prayer is always a socializing, moralizing, and spiritualizing [[practice]].

91:3.3 As it is conceived by [[successive]] [[generations]] of praying [[mortals]], the [[alter ego]] evolves up through [[ghosts]], [[fetishes]], and spirits to [[polytheistic]] gods, and [[eventually]] to the One [[God]], a [[divine]] [[being]] embodying the highest [[ideals]] and the loftiest [[aspirations]] of the praying [[ego]]. And thus does [[prayer]] [[function]] as the most [[potent]] [[agency]] of [[religion]] in the [[conservation]] of the highest [[values]] and [[ideals]] of those who pray. From the [[moment]] of the conceiving of an [[alter ego]] to the [[appearance]] of the [[concept]] of a [[divine]] and heavenly [[Father]], prayer is always a socializing, moralizing, and spiritualizing [[practice]].

91:3.4 The [[simple]] [[prayer]] of [[faith]] [[evidences]] a mighty [[evolution]] in human [[experience]] whereby the [[ancient]] conversations with the fictitious [[symbol]] of the [[alter ego]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_86#86:7._THE_FUNCTION_OF_PRIMITIVE_RELIGION primitive religion] have become exalted to the level of [[communion]] with the [[spirit]] of the [[Infinite]] and to that of a [[bona fide]] [[consciousness]] of the [[reality]] of the [[eternal]] [[God]] and [[Paradise]] [[Father]] of all [[intelligent]] [[creation]].

91:3.4 The [[simple]] [[prayer]] of [[faith]] [[evidences]] a mighty [[evolution]] in human [[experience]] whereby the [[ancient]] conversations with the fictitious [[symbol]] of the [[alter ego]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_86#86:7._THE_FUNCTION_OF_PRIMITIVE_RELIGION primitive religion] have become exalted to the level of [[communion]] with the [[spirit]] of the [[Infinite]] and to that of a [[bona fide]] [[consciousness]] of the [[reality]] of the [[eternal]] [[God]] and [[Paradise]] [[Father]] of all [[intelligent]] [[creation]].

91:3.5 Aside from all that is superself in the [[experience]] of [[praying]], it should be [[remembered]] that [[ethical]] [[prayer]] is a splendid way to elevate one's [[ego]] and reinforce the [[self]] for better living and higher [[attainment]]. [[Prayer]] induces the [[human]] [[ego]] to look both ways for help: for [[material]] aid to the [[subconscious]] reservoir of [[mortal]] [[experience]], for [[inspiration]] and [[guidance]] to the [[superconscious]] borders of the contact of the [[material]] with the [[spiritual]], with the [[Mystery Monitor]].

91:3.5 Aside from all that is superself in the [[experience]] of [[praying]], it should be [[remembered]] that [[ethical]] [[prayer]] is a splendid way to elevate one's [[ego]] and reinforce the [[self]] for better living and higher [[attainment]]. [[Prayer]] induces the [[human]] [[ego]] to look both ways for help: for [[material]] aid to the [[subconscious]] reservoir of [[mortal]] [[experience]], for [[inspiration]] and [[guidance]] to the [[superconscious]] borders of the contact of the [[material]] with the [[spiritual]], with the [[Mystery Monitor]].

91:4.2 [[Prayer]] must never be so [[prostituted]] as to become a substitute for [[action]]. All ethical [[prayer]] is a [[stimulus]] to [[action]] and a guide to the [[progressive]] striving for idealistic goals of superself-[[attainment]].

91:4.2 [[Prayer]] must never be so [[prostituted]] as to become a substitute for [[action]]. All ethical [[prayer]] is a [[stimulus]] to [[action]] and a guide to the [[progressive]] striving for idealistic goals of superself-[[attainment]].

91:4.3 In all your praying be [[fair]]; do not expect [[God]] to show partiality, to [[love]] you more than his other [[children]], your [[friends]], [[neighbors]], even enemies. But the [[prayer]] of the [[natural]] or [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolved religions] is not at first [[ethical]], as it is in the later [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revealed religions]. All praying, whether [[individual]] or [[communal]], may be either [[egoistic]] or [[altruistic]]. That is, the [[prayer]] may be [[centered]] upon the [[self]] or upon [[others]]. When the [[prayer]] seeks nothing for the one who prays nor anything for his fellows, then such [[attitudes]] of the [[soul]] tend to the levels of true [[worship]]. [[Egoistic]] prayers involve [[confessions]] and [[petitions]] and often consist in requests for [[material]] [[favors]]. [[Prayer]] is somewhat more [[ethical]] when it deals with [[forgiveness]] and seeks [[wisdom]] for enhanced [[self-control]].

91:4.3 In all your praying be [[fair]]; do not expect [[God]] to show partiality, to [[love]] you more than his other [[children]], your [[friends]], [[neighbors]], even enemies. But the [[prayer]] of the [[natural]] or [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolved religions] is not at first [[ethical]], as it is in the later [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revealed religions]. All praying, whether [[individual]] or [[communal]], may be either [[egoistic]] or [[altruistic]]. That is, the [[prayer]] may be [[centered]] upon the [[self]] or upon [[others]]. When the [[prayer]] seeks nothing for the one who prays nor anything for his fellows, then such [[attitudes]] of the [[soul]] tend to the levels of true [[worship]]. [[Egoistic]] prayers involve [[confessions]] and [[petitions]] and often consist in requests for [[material]] [[favors]]. [[Prayer]] is somewhat more [[ethical]] when it deals with [[forgiveness]] and seeks [[wisdom]] for enhanced [[self-control]].

91:4.4 While the nonselfish type of [[prayer]] is strengthening and comforting, [[materialistic]] praying is destined to bring disappointment and [[disillusionment]] as advancing [[scientific]] [[discoveries]] [[demonstrate]] that man lives in a [[physical]] [[universe]] of [[law]] and order. The [[childhood]] of an [[individual]] or a [[race]] is characterized by [[primitive]], selfish, and [[materialistic]] praying. And, to a certain extent, all such petitions are efficacious in that they unvaryingly lead to those efforts and exertions which are contributory to achieving the answers to such prayers. The real [[prayer]] of [[faith]] always contributes to the augmentation of the [[technique]] of living, even if such [[petitions]] are not [[worthy]] of [[spiritual]] [[recognition]]. But the spiritually advanced [[person]] should [[exercise]] great caution in attempting to discourage the [[primitive]] or immature [[mind]] regarding such prayers.

91:4.4 While the nonselfish type of [[prayer]] is strengthening and comforting, [[materialistic]] praying is destined to bring disappointment and [[disillusionment]] as advancing [[scientific]] [[discoveries]] [[demonstrate]] that man lives in a [[physical]] [[universe]] of [[law]] and order. The [[childhood]] of an [[individual]] or a [[race]] is characterized by [[primitive]], selfish, and [[materialistic]] praying. And, to a certain extent, all such petitions are efficacious in that they unvaryingly lead to those efforts and exertions which are contributory to achieving the answers to such prayers. The real [[prayer]] of [[faith]] always contributes to the augmentation of the [[technique]] of living, even if such [[petitions]] are not [[worthy]] of [[spiritual]] [[recognition]]. But the spiritually advanced [[person]] should [[exercise]] great caution in attempting to discourage the [[primitive]] or immature [[mind]] regarding such prayers.

91:5.6 [[Prayer]] is the [[technique]] whereby, sooner or later, every [[religion]] becomes [[institutionalized]]. And in time [[prayer]] becomes associated with numerous secondary [[agencies]], some helpful, others decidedly deleterious, such as [[priests]], [[holy]] [[books]], [[worship]] [[rituals]], and ceremonials.

91:5.6 [[Prayer]] is the [[technique]] whereby, sooner or later, every [[religion]] becomes [[institutionalized]]. And in time [[prayer]] becomes associated with numerous secondary [[agencies]], some helpful, others decidedly deleterious, such as [[priests]], [[holy]] [[books]], [[worship]] [[rituals]], and ceremonials.

91:5.7 But the [[minds]] of greater spiritual [[illumination]] should be [[patient]] with, and [[tolerant]] of, those less endowed [[intellects]] that crave [[symbolism]] for the mobilization of their feeble [[spiritual]] [[insight]]. The strong must not look with disdain upon the weak. Those who are [[God]]-[[conscious]] without [[symbolism]] must not deny the [[grace]]-ministry of the [[symbol]] to those who find it [[difficult]] to [[worship]] [[Deity]] and to [[revere]] [[truth]], [[beauty]], and [[goodness]][http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_56#56:10._TRUTH.2C_BEAUTY.2C_AND_GOODNESS] without [[form]] and [[ritual]]. In prayerful worship, most [[mortals]] envision some [[symbol]] of the object-goal of their [[devotions]].

91:5.7 But the [[minds]] of greater spiritual [[illumination]] should be [[patient]] with, and [[tolerant]] of, those less endowed [[intellects]] that crave [[symbolism]] for the mobilization of their feeble [[spiritual]] [[insight]]. The strong must not look with disdain upon the weak. Those who are [[God]]-[[conscious]] without [[symbolism]] must not deny the [[grace]]-ministry of the [[symbol]] to those who find it [[difficult]] to [[worship]] [[Deity]] and to [[revere]] [[truth]], [[beauty]], and [[goodness]][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_56#56:10._TRUTH.2C_BEAUTY.2C_AND_GOODNESS] without [[form]] and [[ritual]]. In prayerful worship, most [[mortals]] envision some [[symbol]] of the object-goal of their [[devotions]].

==91:6. THE PROVINCE OF PRAYER==

==91:6. THE PROVINCE OF PRAYER==

*3. More fully and [[joyfully]] to socialize his religious [[experience]].

*3. More fully and [[joyfully]] to socialize his religious [[experience]].

*4. More completely to spiritualize his day-by-day living while faithfully discharging the commonplace [[duties]] of routine [[mortal]] [[existence]].

*4. More completely to spiritualize his day-by-day living while faithfully discharging the commonplace [[duties]] of routine [[mortal]] [[existence]].

*5. To enhance his [[love]] for, and [[appreciation]] of, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_56#56:10._TRUTH.2C_BEAUTY.2C_AND_GOODNESS truth, beauty, and goodness].

*5. To enhance his [[love]] for, and [[appreciation]] of, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_56#56:10._TRUTH.2C_BEAUTY.2C_AND_GOODNESS truth, beauty, and goodness].

*6. To [[conserve]] currently recognized [[social]], [[moral]], [[ethical]], and [[spiritual]] [[values]].

*6. To [[conserve]] currently recognized [[social]], [[moral]], [[ethical]], and [[spiritual]] [[values]].

*7. To increase his [[spiritual]] [[insight]]—[[God-consciousness]].

*7. To increase his [[spiritual]] [[insight]]—[[God-consciousness]].

==91:8. PRAYING AS A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE==

==91:8. PRAYING AS A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE==

91:8.1 There is a truly [[spontaneous]] aspect to [[prayer]], for [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] found himself praying long before he had any clear [[concept]] of a [[God]]. Early man was wont to [[pray]] in two [[diverse]] situations: When in dire need, he experienced the impulse to reach out for [[help]]; and when jubilant, he indulged the impulsive [[expression]] of [[joy]].

91:8.1 There is a truly [[spontaneous]] aspect to [[prayer]], for [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] found himself praying long before he had any clear [[concept]] of a [[God]]. Early man was wont to [[pray]] in two [[diverse]] situations: When in dire need, he experienced the impulse to reach out for [[help]]; and when jubilant, he indulged the impulsive [[expression]] of [[joy]].

91:8.2 [[Prayer]] is not an [[evolution]] of [[magic]]; they each arose [[independently]]. [[Magic]] was an attempt to [[adjust]] [[Deity]] to conditions; [[prayer]] is the [[effort]] to adjust the [[personality]] to the will of [[Deity]]. True [[prayer]] is both [[moral]] and [[religious]]; [[magic]] is neither.

91:8.2 [[Prayer]] is not an [[evolution]] of [[magic]]; they each arose [[independently]]. [[Magic]] was an attempt to [[adjust]] [[Deity]] to conditions; [[prayer]] is the [[effort]] to adjust the [[personality]] to the will of [[Deity]]. True [[prayer]] is both [[moral]] and [[religious]]; [[magic]] is neither.

91:9.9 [Presented by the Chief of the [[Urantia]] [[Midwayers]]].

91:9.9 [Presented by the Chief of the [[Urantia]] [[Midwayers]]].

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[[Category: PART III: The History of Urantia]]

[[Category: PART III: The History of Urantia]]