Forty nine year old George Sanders stands before a high school audience in Mendalhall High School, Mississippi to present a speech about his life and lessons learned along the way. He brings out a notepad and begins reading his written down speech. The audience listen to his words but it stirs nothing within them because his words are lifeless.

George’s words lack depth and are unable to penetrate to the spirit of his listeners because most of his energy is used up in reading carefully to ensure he gets the words right, leaving little energy to bring to life intuitively the experiences he wishes to share.

George, being an observant man, realizes his ineffectiveness and puts down his notepad. He seeks the audience’s pardon and starts his speech over. This time he allows the pictures of his life experiences arise within him first and then he simply clothes these pictures with the first words that come to mind. All his energy is used in calling these experiences to life and no energy is wasted in reading or memorization. The audience was so captivated by Mr. Sanders’ story that the thirty minutes allotted for questions and answers evolved into a two hour session.

What can we take from this in regards to prayer?

It is difficult to speak from the heart when reading or memorizing and only what comes from deep within has real life. We too can easily decipher the difference between a spontaneous prayer of gratitude and a prayer rattled off routinely. Words lacking life cannot ascend to the heights where HE to whom we pray resides.

“OMG” is a common phrase we hear often in the course of the day.  In fact, it is now almost an automatic reaction to unexpected excitement, tragedy, disbelief or frustration. What danger lies in the use of this phrase? The story of the boy who cried wolf comes to mind. The villagers came running out as they heard the boy cry “wolf” only to meet him laughing. They warned him only to cry “wolf” when there was actually a wolf. Once again, the boy cried “wolf”- once again the villagers came running and there was no wolf. The third time, there was actually a wolf- the boy cried “wolf…wolf,” this time no one came.

In this case, the boy’s crying was of no value anymore so the villagers paid no attention to him. His words were meaningless for he played with what he should take seriously. It is the same with the word, “God” – through this word and the concept behind it; one can gain connection to The Creator of the universe in his most pressing hour of need. The power behind this word is unmistakably evident to him who uses it only in deep reverence. If this word loses its value through careless usage, one can no longer gain a connection to the Source of all goodness through this word.  It then becomes an empty sound lacking any power.

Let The Spirit Lead

Rê was the invisible master and guide of Nebenteru, Pharaoh of Egypt. Rê’s sagacity was unmatched by that of any mortal but he lacked love. He was cunning and expected servitude from those he gave advice. Nebenteru was very well aware of Rê’s cunning nature but he enjoyed the renown which his obedience to Rê brought him.

He decided he would acknowledge Rê as the overlord of Egypt, relying on his cleverness to rule the nation as Pharaoh but retain his independence as his own master.  “I don’t belong to Rê, I arrange my personal life according to my own desires and inclinations; you must learn to draw the line against Rê’s influence over you,” he often told his son.

After many years, Nebenteru became ill and lay on his death bed. Rê appeared by his bed side looking down on him with a derisive smile. “Away with you Rê, you have no business here. I don’t belong to you; I always held the reins of my destiny using my intellect as my guide. I am my own master,” said the dying Pharaoh.

“You fool, who do you think guides your intellect? Every decision you made both as Sovereign of Egypt and as a man were subject to my influence over you through your intellect. You really think you could make use of me and just push me aside as you please; you must think you are cleverer than I? The stronger your belief in your freedom was, the firmer was my hold over you.”

…….

We too often think that we are our own master. Upon honest reflection, one realizes that most of our decisions are greatly influenced by external factors- whether it be the desire to be admired, fame, advertising, etc. True freedom cannot be found where the intellect dominates; it exists only where the intellect is guided by the Spirit.

What can I get? – Here the intellect dominates                                                  How can I serve? Here the intellect is guided by the spirit

“No one is more a slave than the one who thinks he is free without being free”

~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

*Inspired from an Account of The Life of Nemare

Looking Outward For Answers That Lie Within

Needing some money to catch a cab to a party, Sarah stops by a Bank of America ATM. She inserts her card and enters her personal identification number. Incorrect PIN flashes on the screen; she thinks… what is my PIN again? I know it begins with 1986, my year of birth, but what are the last two numbers? She tries 198605 but gets the same incorrect PIN message.

The line behind her is getting restless and in her panic she turns to the gentleman next in line behind her, a complete stranger, for his help with her PIN. The stranger pulls her aside and kindly tells her, “Nobody here can help you with your PIN. If you cannot remember it, call Bank of America and they will remind you of the numbers.”

…….

Sarah’s question seems silly but is it any different from looking to others for direction regarding one’s life purpose? A person can ask his well accomplished neighbor about how he discovered his life’s purpose but anything more will be of no avail to him. Only within each person lies the answer to this question. Earnestly searching within for the abilities slumbering there is the only way. When in need of a reminder, we can humbly look upwards to HIM who placed the abilities within each one of us.