Prayer.

My experience of prayer is that when we pray (usually for others) we put ourselves in a state of mind which is totally benevolent - a blessing - and in this state we become merged with God in a kind of communion.

In this state we wish others well :
that they recover from illness and be made whole,
that they be helped in their troubles,
that they be comforted,
that they be strengthened,
that they be protected,
that their pain be soothed,
that their suffering be relieved.....

Sometimes we pray for improvements in the world :
more love,
more compassion,
more understanding,
peace,
generosity,
wisdom.....

"'Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'"  Matthew 5:48 (NRSV)

God is sublime, serene, sensitive, subtle, spiritual rather than spirit.

One of the definitions of the word holy is free from sin and evil = perfect = all good.

"Do not devise evil in your hearts against one another."  Zechariah 7:10b (NRSV)

Our task is to become more benevolent, more spiritual.

So, far from being morally indifferent or ambiguous, God is all good.

"'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.'"  Matthew 5:44, 45a (NRSV)

Become a living blessing to all, even those who hurt you.

Then you will be like God.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Standard Revised Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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