The reading assigned for today, from 144:2.1-6, discusses the nature and purpose of prayer as taught by Yeshua.
Yeshua explains that he taught a simple form of prayer to his followers, represented by the example prayer: “O Father, cleanse us from sin, show us your glory, reveal your love, and let your spirit sanctify our hearts forevermore, Amen!” He taught this prayer so that his disciples would have something to teach the larger group of people who were following him. However, Yeshua did not intend for his followers to use such a fixed and formal prayer as the only means of expressing their own souls in prayer.
According to Yeshua’s teachings, prayer is meant to be a personal and spontaneous expression of the soul’s attitude toward the spirit. It is a way to commune with God as His children and to express fellowship with Him. True prayer, when inspired by the spirit, leads to spiritual progress and intelligent worship. It is a sincere reaching out toward heaven to attain one’s ideals.
Yeshua taught the importance of persistence in prayer, using a parable about a person who goes to their neighbor at midnight to ask for bread. Although the neighbor initially refuses due to inconvenience, because of the person’s persistence, the neighbor eventually provides the needed bread. Yeshua uses this example to encourage his followers to persist in their prayers, assuring them that their persistence in the spiritual realm will be rewarded.
Yeshua also highlights that prayer should be in alignment with the Father’s will and not merely a selfish petition. He compares it to the relationship between a child and a wise parent. Just as a parent would not give a stone when a child asks for a loaf of bread or a harmful creature when a fish is requested, the Heavenly Father responds to prayers in accordance with divine wisdom. The Father gives not only what is asked but also additional blessings and the gift of the Spirit.
Yeshua tells a story about an unjust judge and a persistent widow to illustrate the importance of persisting in prayer. The purpose of this story is not to imply that God is unjust but to encourage His people to persevere in prayer and to transform their earthly attitudes and expand their capacity to receive spiritual blessings.
Finally, Yeshua mentions that prayer should be accompanied by genuine faith. True faith has the power to overcome material difficulties and obstacles, leading to soul expansion and spiritual progress.
Our reading today teaches us that prayer is a personal and spontaneous expression of the soul’s attitude toward God. It encourages persistence in prayer, aligning one’s requests with the Father’s will and exercising genuine faith. The purpose of prayer is not to change the just and righteous Father but to transform the one who prays and enhance their receptivity to spiritual blessings.
(lp)