Voting and Praying

Dear Urban Abbey Members and Friends: Below is today’s meditation from Steve Garnaas-Holmes. I did vote yesterday, but I was struck by the wonderful images of prayer and its power. The part that resonated most with me is in the middle of his reflection, “When you pray you yourself change—which changes the world.” For me this is an excellent reminder as I am with other people that the only person I can hope to change is me…and that I need to respect others where they are in their lives and walk with God.

What are your thoughts on Pastor Steve’s meditation? Shalom and many blessings, George

_________________________
Dearly Beloved,

Grace and Peace to you

Yesterday your vote went into a pile, became a number, and got added up and compared to another pile. And then it disappeared. It's over. But when you pray your prayer goes into God, and is treasured forever.

When you vote, you are trying to influence an outcome. When you pray you let go of outcomes and become open to God's inflowing grace.

When you vote, you try to get someone or something else to change. When you pray you yourself change—which changes the world.

When you vote and lose, nothing comes of it. You lost. When you pray for something that has not come yet, as when you pray for peace, or justice for the poor, your prayer vibrates in harmony with the delight of God, which is the energy of the world, and transforms the world.

Your vote may or may not have an effect but your prayer always has an effect. You are a nerve cell of God. When you pray you deepen the world's awareness.

It was good that you voted yesterday. Now pray, and exercise some real power.

Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve
______________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net