Changes

Christ Michael(Bill): Be at peace, everyone. I am Michael, Your brother. I have heard your prayers and through My [[Spirit of Truth]] am I present in each of your [[minds]] and [[hearts]]. I wish to talk about [[prayer]] and [[communion]] as I learned it and [[practice]]d it in My [[mortal]] [[Paper 120 - The Bestowal of Michael on Urantia|bestowal]] so that you may receive some [[inspiration]] and direction in this very important [[spiritual]] [[function]]. I do not have to talk about childish prayer with you, for you understand this well.

Christ Michael(Bill): Be at peace, everyone. I am Michael, Your brother. I have heard your prayers and through My [[Spirit of Truth]] am I present in each of your [[minds]] and [[hearts]]. I wish to talk about [[prayer]] and [[communion]] as I learned it and [[practice]]d it in My [[mortal]] [[Paper 120 - The Bestowal of Michael on Urantia|bestowal]] so that you may receive some [[inspiration]] and direction in this very important [[spiritual]] [[function]]. I do not have to talk about childish prayer with you, for you understand this well.

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

First of all, for me as a mortal, [[prayer]] was a [[conversation]] that I had with [[the Father|My Father]], Who is also your Father. It was not a [[magic]] [[ritual]] performed with [[ceremonial]] austerity. It did not require bells, holy water, or [[music]]. It did not require a [[mystical]] setting. It was not perceived as a sense of [[duty]]. My prayer life was as [[natural]] to me as [[breathing]].

First of all, for me as a mortal, [[prayer]] was a [[conversation]] that I had with [[the Father|My Father]], Who is also your Father. It was not a [[magic]] [[ritual]] performed with [[ritual|ceremonial]] austerity. It did not require bells, holy water, or [[music]]. It did not require a [[mystical]] setting. It was not perceived as a sense of [[duty]]. My prayer life was as [[natural]] to me as [[breathing]].

Seldom did I think of myself during my prayers except when I was in extreme anguish, as in [Paper 182 - In Gethsemane|[the Garden]] when I faced the agony of [[crucifixion]]. Rather, were my conversations with [[God]] mostly about [[Paper 139 - The Twelve Apostles|my apostles]], my [[friends]]. For even with my [[human]] [[mind]] I could see where their weaknesses lay, as well as understand their [[unique]] strengths. I knew I did my best effort to teach them, and not just with [[words]], but by my example as well. But, beyond those efforts I felt the need to pray, not because my Father was grudging in His [[mercy]], but because prayer actually does produce an effect for the other [[person]].

Seldom did I think of myself during my prayers except when I was in extreme anguish, as in [Paper 182 - In Gethsemane|[the Garden]] when I faced the agony of [[crucifixion]]. Rather, were my conversations with [[God]] mostly about [[Paper 139 - The Twelve Apostles|my apostles]], my [[friends]]. For even with my [[human]] [[mind]] I could see where their weaknesses lay, as well as understand their [[unique]] strengths. I knew I did my best effort to teach them, and not just with [[words]], but by my example as well. But, beyond those efforts I felt the need to pray, not because my Father was grudging in His [[mercy]], but because prayer actually does produce an effect for the other [[person]].

Finally, and this brings me back to where I started, my prayers to the Father were [[conversations]]. I spoke to Him and as I achieved the perfection of human development, I clearly heard Him reply. We talked face to face. This is our desire for all of you, that your prayer life become a conversation. No, it will not indicate that you are schizophrenic! It will prove that you have achieved that [[intimacy]]. I have said enough. I wish to remain with you and discuss this or answer your questions.

Finally, and this brings me back to where I started, my prayers to the Father were [[conversations]]. I spoke to Him and as I achieved the perfection of human development, I clearly heard Him reply. We talked face to face. This is our desire for all of you, that your prayer life become a conversation. No, it will not indicate that you are schizophrenic! It will prove that you have achieved that [[intimacy]]. I have said enough. I wish to remain with you and discuss this or answer your questions.

===Dialogue===

===Dialogue===

Nancy: Michael, thank You for Your topic, tonight. I guess You are aware that I have been contemplating this very [[topic]] the last couple of days in particular, and my desire to re-establish more constant [[communication]] with my [[indwelling Adjuster]] and to receive the relief of not needing to be in charge of my own life. I am very tired. I have been realizing that part of my tiredness is because I have to resume control in response to becoming a [[professional]] person. I have been having difficulty [[balancing]] that trust like, breezy, [[new age]], VW bus driver that found it much easier to trust with the professional that I have become, who is surrounded with other professionals that have no tolerance for anything foo foo ([[laughter]]), and wanting to earn my legitimacy as a professional; and wanting to do a really good job! So my [[ego]] is in there! It has been much more difficult for me. I am so busy all the time, too. to stay in constant [[communion]]. I have just found it much more difficult. I have even taken on even the mind [[thinking]] of what I perceive the mind thinking to be of the people I interact with, which is almost an intolerance for foo fooness, silliness, stuff outside of the realm of "normal". Anybody who knows my [[history]] is probably in shock to hear this. But I am really tired and I really miss that relationship. I know that You are here to help me. I think of You as an example in Your huge endeavors in the undertaking of the [[universe]], as well as [http://www.nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents#Part_IV._The_Life_and_Teachings_of_Jesus Your life] on [[Urantia]]. I am really wishing I could be a whole lot more like You than I have been lately, forever, but definitely I feel like I have been regressing in [[spiritual]] ways, even as I have begun to excel [[professionally]]. I think I am done, for now.

Nancy: Michael, thank You for Your topic, tonight. I guess You are aware that I have been contemplating this very [[topic]] the last couple of days in particular, and my desire to re-establish more constant [[communication]] with my [[indwelling Adjuster]] and to receive the relief of not needing to be in charge of my own life. I am very tired. I have been realizing that part of my tiredness is because I have to resume control in response to becoming a [[professional]] person. I have been having difficulty [[balancing]] that trust like, breezy, [[new age]], VW bus driver that found it much easier to trust with the professional that I have become, who is surrounded with other professionals that have no tolerance for anything foo foo ([[laughter]]), and wanting to earn my legitimacy as a professional; and wanting to do a really good job! So my [[ego]] is in there! It has been much more difficult for me. I am so busy all the time, too. to stay in constant [[communion]]. I have just found it much more difficult. I have even taken on even the mind [[thinking]] of what I perceive the mind thinking to be of the people I interact with, which is almost an intolerance for foo fooness, silliness, stuff outside of the realm of "normal". Anybody who knows my [[history]] is probably in shock to hear this. But I am really tired and I really miss that relationship. I know that You are here to help me. I think of You as an example in Your huge endeavors in the undertaking of the [[universe]], as well as [http://www.nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents#Part_IV._The_Life_and_Teachings_of_Jesus Your life] on [[Urantia]]. I am really wishing I could be a whole lot more like You than I have been lately, forever, but definitely I feel like I have been regressing in [[spiritual]] ways, even as I have begun to excel [[professionally]]. I think I am done, for now.