The Power of Prayer

Dear Martin,
There is always proof. It would be hard for someone like myself, who was raised by scientific and religious parents to not come up with examples of proof. But I think that you will have an ace in the hole by saying that we just dont understand the natural cause yet - which is what us Catholics like to call a "cop-out". Any proof can be circumvented with that argument - I've heard that excuse used to argue against the link between HIV and AIDS. But common sense, and an overwhelming plethora of "proof", suggests that these people are mistaken. Only the truly paranoid would throw out evidence which is very obviously linked to a specific occurrence, such as contracting HIV and developing a syndrome a few short years later wherein your T cell count drops to 0. Only the truely paranoid would fail to call a remission in this T cell count drop, without any treatment but religious "mumbo-jumbo", a miracle. So too, when you use this excuse, you make the possibility of your position seeming rational slimmer and slimmer. If you dont mind Sebastian, I'm in too. Although you can just tap me when I'm needed in the ring. :wink:

Peace
Homeskooled

http://www.srf-yogananda.org/wwpc/power.html

The Power of Prayer

God is the love that upholds the universe�the ocean of life and power that pervades all creation. Through scientific methods of prayer, we can consciously attune ourselves to that Infinite Power, and bring healing to body, mind, and spirit. The methods and principles described here may be used by anyone, regardless of religious affiliation, for they are based not on dogma or belief, but on application of universal laws.

Doubters regard prayer as a vague and ineffective exercise in wishful thinking. The ordinary person resorts to prayer only when in dire trouble and when all other options have failed. But Paramahansa Yogananda taught that true prayer is scientific � being based on precise laws that govern all creation � and is a daily necessity for harmonious living. He explained that our physical bodies and the material world we live in are condensations of invisible patterns of energy. That energy in turn is an expression of finer blueprints of thought � the subtlest vibration � which governs all manifestations of energy and matter. The whole of creation was brought into being by God first in thought or idea form. Then the Divine Consciousness willed those thought-patterns to condense into light and energy, and finally into the grosser vibrations of matter.

As human beings, made in the image of God, we are different from the lower forms of creation: we have the freedom to use these same powers of thought and energy. By the thoughts we habitually entertain and act upon, we create the circumstances in which our life unfolds. Scientific prayer is based on understanding of this truth, and on application of the universal forces of creation: It tunes in with God�s thought-patterns of health, harmony, and perfection � and then uses will power to channel energy to help materialize those patterns.

Prayer is the science by which we can attune the human mind and will to the consciousness and will of God. Through prayer, we form a loving, personal relationship with God, and His response is unfailing. We read in Paramahansa Yogananda�s autobiography:

"The Lord responds to all and works for all. Seldom do men realize how often God heeds their prayers. He is not partial to a few, but listens to anyone who approaches Him trustfully. His children should ever have implicit faith in the loving-kindness of their Omnipresent Father."

By patient and persevering application of God�s unlimited power, we can, with His love and help, create whatever circumstances we desire, and dissolve difficulties and disease � not only for ourselves, but for others.