Why Aren’t Our Prayers More Successful?

Exploring the Enigmatic Power of Prayer and Mystical Experiences

In our modern, secular world, the concept of prayer often evokes a spectrum of reactions. For some, it is a deeply personal and powerful practice, a conduit to divine energy and healing. Others dismiss it as a relic of an unscientific past, or reserve its use for rare, solemn occasions. Yet another group embraces prayer with liberal fervor, integrating it seamlessly into their daily lives.

But what exactly is prayer? And why does it elicit such varied responses?

Prayer is not merely a religious ritual, but a profound act of introspection and connection. It serves as a bridge between the mundane and the mystical, the tangible and the ethereal. In its essence, prayer can be a form of meditation, a method to focus one’s mind and spirit, aligning them with a higher purpose or intention. It is a practice that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, found in some form in virtually every spiritual tradition.

However, the healing potential of prayer is often disregarded by skeptics who demand empirical proof of its efficacy. For them, the act of prayer is seen as a placebo at best, or a superstitious exercise at worst. Yet, countless individuals report experiencing profound peace, clarity, and even physical healing through prayer. Could it be that there is more to this practice than meets the eye?

Alongside prayer, dreams and visions occupy a significant place in the spiritual landscape. Are these experiences mere figments of a resting brain, or do they hold keys to deeper truths? Historically, dreams have been regarded as messages from the divine, offering guidance, warnings, or insights into one’s life path. Visionaries and mystics throughout history have attested to the power of their dreams and visions, claiming they provided glimpses into a higher reality.

The mystical and the occult, too, bear an allure that is both fascinating and intimidating. Are these experiences part of a divine intention, or are they manifestations of a dark, ignorant mind? The answer may lie somewhere in between – or perhaps beyond – our conventional understanding.

To truly explore these phenomena, one must break free from the constraints of societal norms and personal biases. This isn’t merely about abandoning old beliefs, but about transcending the collective mindset that discourages open exploration of the unknown. The light of truth often resides in places deemed strange, mystical, or exotic – terms that struggle to encapsulate the profoundness of spiritual liberation.

The key message here is an invitation to an open-minded exploration into the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions of life. Prayer, dreams, visions, and a deeper understanding of our personal histories are not merely ancillary aspects of existence but integral parts of a continually unfolding cosmic narrative. They offer pathways to spiritual liberation and enhanced understanding, for those willing to tread upon Love’s Infinite Path.

In the end, spiritual practices and mystical experiences are deeply personal journeys. They invite us to question, to seek, and to discover the unseen realms that may hold profound truths. By setting aside dismissive attitudes and opening ourselves to the beauty and mystery of the unseen, we may find that prayer, dreams, and visions are not just entertaining diversions, but doorways to a richer, more enlightened life.

To all seekers on this path, remember that the ultimate liberation lies not in the acceptance of popular beliefs, but in the courageous pursuit of the unknown. In this exploration, you may discover that the universe holds more wonders than we can possibly imagine, waiting to be unveiled to the awakening soul.

August 1987-1994- Marie Schmidt

In 1987, I met Marie Schmidt, a practitioner of the Infinite Way, which is a movement involved with “spiritual healing” created by Joel Goldsmith (died 1964).  She was a woman about 87 years old, who taught every Sunday at the old YWCA on 10th Avenue in downtown Portland.  I had seen a simple advertisement for her tape group, while attending the International New Thought Alliance conference in Portland.  The tape group was a combination meditation group, and a forum for listening to the taped teachings of Joel Goldsmith, a spiritual healer and mystic who first began his healing practice shortly after the Great Depression began.

She had been holding weekly meditations and tape recorded playbacks of Joel’s actual messages since 1962 (she had 1000 hours of his recorded messages, which she ended up giving to me). Marie would sit in the front of the room, and lead a 15 minute meditation, followed by the playing of a cassette tape of one hour length.  She had a collection of at least 300 tapes , of which I eventually copied virtually all of them, and committed them to memory as best that I could.

I was captured by this group, which had mostly older people who attended.  I believe that I was the youngest person there, for the period from 1987-1991, while I remained involved with her group.  Initially, I kept my distance from most of the people, not really being sure what the whole business was about.  I eventually drew Joan M and Marcus J. into the group, who I knew from the International New Thought Alliance convention of 1987, as well as Alcoholics Anonymous, and the Living Enrichment Center.

Jeff, Marcus Jones, Marie Schmidt, Joan Madsen, and me (right to left)

One day in February of 1989, after I had just broken off an engagement to be married to Laurie H, and I was devastated.  The sweet old woman, Marie, offered me a healing session.  Well, I had my doubts, and nothing to lose, and I was a little curious about this healing business.  I went up to her apartment, still devastated, and meditated with her for 15 minutes. At the end, Marie spoke the message that she heard from Spirit, in regards to me.

“More perfect than you are, you could never be”,

with

“All that is human, is illusion”.

“Well, OK, Marie, but how can I possibly apply that spiritual salve?”

I asked, still not seeing any benefit.

As I thanked her for her time, I then noticed I became totally at peace, and I was “healed” of all of my emotional disturbances around the ending of my engagement to Laurie.  It was as if the winds of Spirit had blown away everything from my mind, except peace and joy.  I felt strangely and wonderfully liberated of everything that had ever bothered me!

As I look at my life’s history, I have been healed by its Mystery.

I later tried to have her heal my mentally sick ex-wife, Donelle,  with no success.  So there were limits to her ability, though she always stated that God  heals, not herself . I can almost now hear Marie’s voice, telling me, in regards to all of us:

“More Perfect than you are, you could never be.”

How that manifests in all of our lives remains an unraveled mystery, to be experienced by us each day that we have the privilege to wake up.  She would tell me that we are all blessed by each other’s continued walk through life.    Love goes before us, to make all of  “the crooked places straight”. We are Loved, and, in fact are Love Itself.    The body goes where it must, but also, so does our Hearts.  Go in Peace and Love, and always be willing to bring healing to any situation, for that is our mission, and who we are always to be.

In 1994, Marie was placed in the St. Andrews home near Mt. Tabor, when her nephew noted her deteriorating health, and he was concerned about her decline.  Marie continued to practice healing with the other patients, even while under care of the attending professionals.  My last visit to her, just prior to her death, was characterized by her still restating to Sharon and me of our perfection in the eyes of God.

“More Perfect than you are, you could never be.”

—–Marie Schmidt

Marie, my wife Sharon, me

The Transformative Power of Empathy and Shared Consciousness in Healing

On January 3rd of 2017, I started having seizures, and felt the presence of a golf ball sized black tumor in the left hemisphere of my brain. How on earth could I detect such a thing within myself without a MRI machine?  The image of the tumor, and it’s location, appeared on the inner screen of my mind.  I feared that I might be “losing it”, or even about to lose my own life, and was afraid to tell the doctor about it, though I mentioned to her that my dying father may well outlive me. Yet, on March 5, Marty C. had a major seizure, was hospitalized, and was diagnosed with a brain tumor the exact size, and in the same location in the brain as I detected within myself. And, when he described his seizure to me, I was struck by how similar his experience of the seizure was to my own.

I told Marty that I felt that the black mass represented death itself, and that I hoped that it was not predictive of his immediate fate, or my own. When Marty had surgery to successfully remove the tumor two days later on Friday, the black mass from my own “life energy field” also disappeared. Marty was to die several months later, after a dramatic decline. Coincidence?

Human consciousness is a profound and mysterious force, capable of facilitating connections that transcend conventional barriers. In the realm of caregiving, the role of empathy and compassion extends beyond mere emotional support; it becomes a conduit for deeper understanding, shared burdens, and mutual healing. Practicing empathy and shared consciousness is a form of conscious prayer that can revolutionize the way we approach illness and healing, offering new perspectives for healthcare professionals, psychology enthusiasts, and empathy advocates.

Our consciousness serves as the medium through which profound connections occur. In my experience with Marty, a good friend of nearly twenty-one years, through radical empathy, his ego mind intertwined with my own consciousness, allowing me to access hidden truths about both him and myself. This process occurred over the period of the last six months of his life in 2017, when his melanoma erupted into metastasis to his brain.. This connection was not merely emotional but a temporary melding of our very beings, facilitated by love, compassion, concern, and the pursuit of spiritual, if not physiological, healing.

This shared burden underscores the transformative power of compassion and empathy. By deeply connecting with a patient, caregivers can gain insights into the patient’s condition and their own hidden truths. This process of prayer, now called radical empathy or shared consciousness, enables a more holistic approach to healing, where both the caregiver and the patient benefit from the empathetic bond.  Even in meditations and my dreamtime, I was shown ways to bring higher measures of hope, insight, and the potential for spiritual healing to Marty.

Empathy has the power to transcend conventional barriers of communication. Through my connection with Marty, I was also able to articulate thoughts and feelings that had previously eluded me. This newfound capacity for expression was not just about understanding Marty’s experience but, through the mirror provided for by our relationship,  also about uncovering repressed aspects of my own consciousness.

Empathy and shared consciousness have the power to reveal personal and shared repressions, enabling caregivers to confront and articulate the forces of oppression and repression within both themselves and their patients. This process is not just about understanding the patient’s struggles but also about illuminating the dark corners of our own minds. Through this introspective and philosophical exploration, we can challenge conventional thinking, encourage self-discovery, and promote spiritual growth.

Note:  Marty died later that year when he felt that the malignant melanoma was going to continue to spread, choosing Oregon’s Death With Dignity option.  It has been said that when a person is approaching death, whether they are conscious of that fact or not, ego boundaries start to dissolve. That is another challenging story..

Radical Empathy and Shared Consciousness: A New Paradigm in Human Connection

Traditionally, empathy and telepathy are viewed as distinct concepts. Empathy involves emotional resonance, while telepathy implies a direct transmission of thoughts or sensations between individuals. My experience suggests that these two concepts may not be as separate as we once thought. Through our deep emotional bond, Marty’s consciousness appeared to transmit aspects of his being directly into mine. This created a shared experience that was both enlightening and unsettling, challenging the conventional boundaries between empathy and telepathy.

Our consciousness serves as the medium for these profound connections. Marty’s sense of self somehow intertwined with my own, allowing me to access hidden truths about both him and myself. This connection was facilitated by a combination of love, compassion, and the pursuit of spiritual and physiological healing. It was through this shared consciousness that I could experience aspects of Marty’s inner world directly, revealing the depth and complexity of our interconnectedness.

The transformative potential of such deep connections is profound. By sharing consciousness with another person, we can illuminate personal growth and understanding in ways that traditional methods cannot achieve. This process encourages self-discovery and spiritual growth, challenging us to redefine our understanding of empathy, consciousness, and human connection.

The phenomenon of radical empathy raises intriguing questions about the nature of human connection and consciousness. It suggests that our conventional understanding of empathy is limited and that we must explore the potential overlap with telepathy. This exploration has implications not only for psychology and empathy research but also for medical professionals and caregivers who work closely with patients.

While the transformative potential of radical empathy is significant, it is also a potentially dangerous path to traverse. The deep interconnectedness facilitated by radical empathy can lead to a loss of self and challenges to one’s sanity. Therefore, it is essential to approach this concept with caution, balancing the pursuit of spiritual attunement with the need for self-preservation.

Radical empathy represents a new paradigm in human connection, one that challenges conventional thinking and encourages deeper exploration of empathy and consciousness. By understanding and accepting these profound empathetic experiences, we can foster personal growth, spiritual development, and a more profound understanding of human relationships. The potential overlap between empathy and telepathy offers a glimpse into the future of human connection—a future where consciousness serves as the medium for profound, transformative experiences.

The Power of Prayer and Interconnectedness

If we could all divest ourselves from our religious or scientific and/or secular backgrounds for a moment, and consider what is about to be discussed, we can share in the possibility for a greater personal and collective unfolding. It has been said that prayer is nothing more than intentional or focused thought. It has also been said that prayer is our line of communication with our higher power. As the understanding of “prayer” and of our thoughts evolves, we finally note that the words point to something so simple, normal, and natural. Yet, these words also point to a much greater potential for shared reality than most people understand or realize.

Reinterpreting prayer as a form of focused thought or intention, irrespective of religious or secular beliefs, broadens its accessibility and use. This reinterpretation allows us to see it as a tool for interacting with the universal life force. Imagine prayer, not as a plea to an external deity, but as a deliberate tuning of our internal frequencies to align with those that support our highest good. When we pray for someone, we might be influencing the frequencies they resonate with, potentially impacting their experiences and even collective reality.

Telepathy and prayer can refer to the same experience, as well as prescience, remote viewing, and other psychic phenomena. It is too easy to discount or “poo-poo” this aspect of human potential. Our world culture will continue to further hypnotize itself with its higher technology entertainment, and many will lose their way because of overreliance on these toys of communication.

What will open us up to the possibilities of the “unknown”?

Most of us continue to define our life by what we already think we know, and by what others, such as parents, friends, teachers, ministers, etc., might think about us. Time-based thought and activity generated from a past frame of reference remains the dominion of our ego, whether we consider our minds healthy and happy or insane. But for many of us, in order to find the real connection with love, joy, and sanity, we must let go of envy and competitiveness and the need to control others. We can let the natural peace at the center of our being decide what is best for us.

The notions of prayer, telepathy, and interconnectedness offer us a profound perspective on our shared human experience. By recognizing the power of our thoughts and intentions, we can foster a greater sense of empathy and compassion in our daily interactions. Prayer, when seen through the lens of focused thought, becomes a universally accessible tool for personal and collective transformation.

Take a moment to reflect on the impact your thoughts and intentions have on your life and the world around you. Consider how you might shift your focus to align with the frequencies that support your highest good and the well-being of others. Through this practice, we can contribute to a more harmonious and connected world.

Let’s all strive to tune into the universal life force, harness the power of focused thought, and nurture our shared reality with empathy and compassion. The possibilities for personal and collective unfolding are boundless when we open ourselves to the mysteries of the unknown.

The Interconnectedness of Consciousness: Exploring the Subtle Ties That Bind Us

In the labyrinth of our daily lives, we often overlook the profound interconnectedness that underlies our existence. This concept, though seemingly esoteric, has tangible manifestations that suggest our thoughts and experiences are woven into a much larger tapestry. Our thoughts may be nothing more than unfocused prayer. This idea invites us to consider that the private musings we entertain in our minds could reverberate through the universe, impacting others in ways we scarcely comprehend.

To illustrate the power of this interconnectedness, allow me to recount a personal experience. On Sunday, March 17, 2019, I was playing cards with my friend Jim H. During the game, I felt a blister forming on my forefinger. Bewildered, I wondered how this was possible since I hadn’t engaged in any strenuous activities. At that precise moment, Sharon White, who was at home working outside, noticed a blister on her finger. The coincidence in timing and sensation was uncanny, raising the question of whether our experiences were somehow linked on a deeper level.

Let’s take a moment to reframe our understanding of intuition, especially women’s intuition. Traditionally, intuition has been seen as an inexplicable sense that guides one’s decisions. However, what if this intuition is a direct, albeit intermittent, connection to the universal truths that bind all of us together? Women’s intuition, then, might not be so much a mysterious sixth sense as a clearer channel to the underlying reality that connects every living being.

If our thoughts are indeed unfocused prayers, it becomes crucial to be mindful of what we entertain in our minds. Positive or negative, our thoughts have the potential to manifest in the world, affecting not just ourselves but those around us. In this light, mindfulness in thought and action isn’t merely a path to personal well-being but a moral responsibility we owe to the collective consciousness.

This perspective leads us to explore the philosophical and spiritual implications of interconnected consciousness. It suggests that individual actions and thoughts contribute to a shared reality, making each of us co-creators of the world we inhabit. This understanding can foster a sense of unity and compassion, encouraging us to act with greater empathy and consideration for others.

The idea that we are all linked on a foundational level challenges conventional thinking and invites us to contemplate the profound implications of our interconnectedness. Our thoughts, far from being isolated and private, might be subtle prayers that ripple through the fabric of reality. By embracing this perspective, we can cultivate a more mindful and compassionate world.

Thank you, Great Spirit, for illuminating one of life’s greatest truths. And to you, dear reader, I encourage you to explore these connections in your own life. Pay attention to the subtle signs and synchronicities that hint at our shared reality. In doing so, you may uncover a richer, more interconnected existence than you ever imagined.

Let me bring this discussion home for just a moment. On Sunday, March 17, 2019, I went to play cards with my friend Jim H. While playing, I noted that I felt a blister forming on my forefinger on my right hand. I thought to myself that there was no way I could be developing a blister, because I had not done any work with my hands. Well, at that very moment, Sharon White was at home working outside around our home, and she had developed a blister, and noted it at the same time that day (6:00PM) that I felt the blister forming on my own finger. Coincidence?

August 2018-Beryl’s Place

In August of 2018, I rented a home in the Black Butte residential area for three nights.  I found the unit online, and I chose this unit because of its proximity to the golf course, as well as its ability to accommodate two couples.   Jo and Jim Hussey, and Sharon and myself were to be the occupants for that extended stay.  I paid the full lodging bill for all of us.

When Jo and Jim asked why I wanted to pay for the unit, I replied that it was a gift from my deceased father, Beryl, who had died one year previous..

Upon arrival, we all discovered that the unit had my father’s first name on the side of it.  And, it was spelled correctly.

Coincidence or synchronicity?

For me, this experience was truly a gift from the Universe, appearing as my father, Beryl.!!

The Scatter-Gun Approach of Religious Messages and the Path to True Spiritual Discernment

Religions the world over often take a scatter-gun approach to delivering their messages. Their prophets, messengers, and associated religious texts bombard us with a myriad of “truths” that are often difficult to digest. They speak at the listener or student rather than to them, creating a barrier to true understanding and internalization of the message.

However, there are those blessed few who are attuned to the inner value or meaning of the truth being delivered. For these individuals, the message speaks to them. This phenomenon is often attributed to spiritual discernment—a rare and invaluable skill that allows one to perceive and internalize deeper truths. In the hearing of Love or Truth, hope for change is stimulated, and the internal motivation to make necessary changes in one’s life course begins.

There is another level of religious attainment or attunement that goes beyond having a message speak to the listener. Only a few in recorded history have developed the capacity to have their religion, their God, their Buddha Mind, or their Christ Consciousness speak through them. In Christian mystical terms, this is the “Word made flesh, and dwelling among us.” Ministers and politicians rarely qualify for this exalted state, as experts and practitioners of the law often have limited access to the spirit behind it.

Beware of television preachers and evangelicals, as they are often ministers of propaganda—money-accumulating propagators of illusion, delusion, deception, and fear, preying on the ignorant and the innocent.

If I only speak at my readers, my message holds little lasting value. But if I speak to them in some way, then a true connection has been made, and an exchange of human energy has occurred. This form of energy exchange can be likened to a prayer. Should a reader find a truth within these words that resonates within their mind and heart, dislodging repressed or oppressed divine energy, an enlightenment or liberation is attained. 

If healing, wholeness, or divinity subsequently speaks through the reader, it becomes a form of universal prayer that genuinely has the chance to aid in the healing of the planet. To date, nothing I have written has led anyone into the “promised land,” but I would be content if this story finds a way to speak to a few readers, allowing us to share in a prayer with the potential to bring healing, wholeness, and divinity to our shared consciousness. Liberation and enlightenment, however, I leave to the spiritual savants and their devoted followers.

Each of us must take a unique path to find our greatest good. Those who follow others’ routes at the exclusion of their own internal guidance risk losing all, including their freedom and unique life expression. Adapting to and normalizing societal insanity is the foundation for mental illness, our national schizophrenia, and the resulting corrupted economic, political, and religious systems.

I will not make blanket statements like “love heals all wounds” or “love is the only power,” as love is not what the vast majority of humanity believes it to be. Please forgive me if my insights and realizations appear obvious and simple. I have a unique perspective and it will not conform to others’ expectations of what the “Truth” should look like.

My writings from the last seven years indicate my path toward wholeness and spiritual integrity while moving away from both my personal insanity and our culture’s schizophrenia. It is my hope that these reflections speak to you and inspire your own spiritual discernment and growth.

The path to true spiritual fulfillment lies in discerning the message that speaks to us and ultimately through us. By engaging in this profound form of energy exchange, we can contribute to global healing and personal transformation. To achieve this, we must follow our unique spiritual paths, resist societal conformity, and seek a deeper understanding of love and truth.

This is the doorway to true prayer consciousness.