|
REPLY TO THREAD
|
|
Subject
|
Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.
|
|
User Name
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Font color:
Font:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Original Message
|
I have been on a tremendous path of personal growth, and spiritual development for more than two years now. I realize I have so much more work to do, and I realize humility is key to spiritual growth. And it is on this subject of humility which leads me to the topic I wish to discuss:
Praying for your enemies.
I had a powerful spiritual experience roughly 22 months ago, regarding this subject, and I felt as if my mind had been expanded, my thoughts more "clear" and my soul had become more "opened." This is the best I can describe the feeling. Perhaps you can relate?
Herewith is the conclusion I reached after prayer, meditation, and internal dialogue:
I am to pray for my enemies. I am to pray for those I feel anger toward, those I feel hatred toward, those I feel resentment toward. In all cases, including the extremely rare case where my resentment/anger is justified (that is, I played no part in the event which aroused the resentment and anger.) In reality, I have either been the direct cause of all my resentments and all of my angers, or else I have played a major role. (This takes humility to admit.)
I am to pray for these people, and it really has nothing to do with them. It has everything to do with me, and here is why:
If I hold a deep resentment toward John, it causes ugliness and disharmony within me. If I have thoughts about John such as, "I hate John! I hope his car breaks down! I hope he gets fired from his job and has to become homeless! I hope his wife divorces him!" and similar thoughts, or milder thoughts such as, "John was a jerk to me. Why did he have to say what he did? He embarrassed me! I don't know why he is so conceited and thinks I am so inferior," then I am consumed with these negative thoughts. I can not realistically expect for his car to break down, for his boss to fire him, for his wife to divorce him, just because I think it.
No, the only tangible result of these negative thoughts of mine are that my mind is filled with these negative images, with these negative and dark thoughts. The most likely place these thoughts will manifest are in my life, not John's life!
Well, that was a powerful epiphany to have!
And, I do not have to "forgive and forget." I do not even have to forgive, and if I was seriously wronged, I should not forget and place myself in a position to be taken advantage of/hurt again.
So, I should then, pray for my enemy. I should think thoughts such as, "I hope that John finds true happiness. I hope that John finds fulfillment in the work he does each day. I hope that John is loved by those closest to him, and I hope that John spreads love as well. I wish for John to experience life to the fullest, and I pray for John to find peace, joy, and contentment, all the days of his life." Again, just by my thinking, will these things manifest in John's life? No, of course not!
But, what is the end result of me praying in this positive way for my enemy, John? Yes! It is that my mind is filled with these uplifting, positive, hopeful, joyful thoughts! The most likely place for these prayers to manifest are in my own life!
It took a number of things for me to begin thinking in this way: humility, first and foremost. It also took me separating my emotions from my thoughts. (This is another way of expressing, 'I applied the Trivium to my thinking.') I took that metaphorical "step back" from my thoughts, tried to consciously separate my emotions, and use my intellect. In so doing, I also came to realize that my EGO has done nothing but hold me back, and hurt me, all my life!
It takes humility and courage to think critically, in a logical, rational, reasonable manner, but also to remember that I am a three-fold being: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual. One could also argue that there is a fourth and entirely separate side- Emotional.
I am interested in Spiritual Experiences you have had! Epiphanies such as described above, or more gradual experiences. I am genuinely interested in your thoughts regarding "Why we should pray for our enemies" and perhaps that is a good 'jumping off' point for you. Please do share!
Peace be with your spirit!
|
|
Pictures (click to insert)
|
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | | | Next Page >> |
|
