Prayers of life for 2012

What does it mean to be a Christian in the 21st century? Does one mourn the passing of the old order of things to celebrate the emergence of the new? Does one retreat into the shadows of past achievements or participate in the building of a more just society where all men seek brotherhood despite formidable barriers of race, class and creed?

The prayers below, translates the central essence of Christianity into terms and concepts, which are fully meaningful today. Meaningful not only to committed Christians, but to all those who share a common concern about the progress of humanity itself and for whom the formalities of religion may have become a jaded exercise.

Come to Me with a teachable spirit

Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I Am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence.

Do not skimp on our time together

Relax in My Healing Presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today’s plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you. Do not skimp on our time together. Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you.

I am your burden bearer

Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence. This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances. Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world. I am both with you and within you. I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. There could never be another companion as devoted as I am.

Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observed by others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. In the world you have trials and distress, but don’t let them get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you. In Me, you may have confident Peace.

Acknowledge My sovereign control over the universe

I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, “I trust You, Jesus” in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I am in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.

This simple practice will help you to see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective — through the Light of My universal Presence — fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.

You can achieve the victorious life, through “faith-walk”

You can achieve the victorious life through living in deep dependence on Me. People usually associate victory with success: not falling or stumbling, not making mistakes. But those who are successful in their own strength tend to go their own way, forgetting about Me. It is through problems and failure, weakness and neediness that you learn to rely on Me.

True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant My desires within you. I may infuse within you a dream that seems far beyond your reach. You know that in yourself you cannot achieve such a goal. Thus begins your journey of profound reliance on Me. It is a “faith-walk,” taken one step at a time, leaning on Me as much as you need. This is not a path of continual success, but of multiple failures. However, each failure is followed by growth spurt, nourished by increased reliance on Me. Enjoy the blessedness of a victorious life, through deepening dependence on Me.

Let us renew our pledge of brotherhood

Let us have a few moments of silence, during which we renew our pledge of brotherhood and rededicate ourselves to the search for truth.

We gather here as students of the ancient wisdom, endeavoring to prepare ourselves for service to humanity.

May we work together in harmony. May we acquire the knowledge and spirit of understanding that will qualify us for wider service.

From the unreal, lead us to the Real.

From the darkness, lead us to Light.

From death, lead us to Immortality.

The golden stairs to the temple of wisdom

A clean life, an open mind, a pure heart, an eager intellect, an unveiled spiritual perception, a brotherliness for all, a readiness to give and receive advice and instruction; a loyal sense of duty to the Teacher, a willing obedience to the behests of Truth, once we have placed our confidence in and believe that Teacher to be in possession of it; courageous endurance of personal injustice, a brave declaration of principles, a valiant defense of those who are unjustly attacked, and a constant eye to the ideal of human progression and perfection, which the Secret Science depicts — these are the golden stairs up the steps of which the learner may climb to the Temple of Divine Wisdom.

Having received these further instructions in the Divine Wisdom, may we go hence with our faith renewed and our minds fixed upon the higher life.

May we, by devotion and unselfish endeavor, to awaken the divine service nature within until all shall be found worthy to stand in the presence of the Master.

References: Jesus Calling by Sara Young; Theosophy Invocation