INNER
experiences of God are a long way away for the dualistic either/or thinker. Yet
we all suffer such a dilemma of being. Continually. Over our entire lifespan. We’re
fortunate to get even one glimpse of the kingdom of heaven, because we’re so restricted
to the capacities of the mind. Yet if we don’t get there, we have no chance of
the Kingdom settling in our hearts. But there is hope. Contemplative prayer is the hope.
Experiences
of the raw Presence of God are rare, let’s be honest. And our dualist,
competitive thinking, our constructs of cognition that become us, is the chief blocker.
Our thoughts are the sum of our preoccupation with the past and our worries/hopes
for the future. We don’t know how to be present.
Because
being present is very uncomfortable and not very rewarding to stay in.
Our
expectations grow amid dreams that will never be our reality. Shocking to read
those words. Horrid. Boredom is the space we occupy when we’re not consumed by
thought of the past and/or future. Frustrations emerge from many unconscious
drives that continue to remain unmet. Cravings never cease, even if we abide in
entertaining hope of perfect sanctification. But there is hope. Contemplative prayer is the hope.
What
we need to do is recognise the truth. In our thinking we’re far from God’s
Presence. Only in the deliberate and definite process of mental letting go is there the ability to admit
our dependence on reducing life to expectations, attributions of boredom,
falling into frustration, and the guilt-cycle for cravings. These are saying we’re
weak mentally, and the only reparation is to engage in contemplation. That is
the way to the unbeatable serenity that accepts what it cannot change.
A
most productive prayer, therefore, is to pray without thinking, all throughout
the day. To simply observe life without judgment, cognisant of God. Prayer at
its root is communion with God. Without thought. Simply observing life without
judgment, in awe of God.
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