Prayer, used well, has the power to change for the good.
1. Worry. Every thought we think registers in the universe and manifests at some level. When we think joyful, positive thoughts, we are contributing to our "bank account" to manifest those ideas, and when we indulge in negative, self-defeating thoughts, we invite those energies and circumstances to arise. It is said that "every thought is a prayer." Someone who worries is invoking manifestation just as much as one who visions healing. Be sure to cultivate only the thoughts of what you want to create.
2. Divine Discontent. Unhappiness is helpful when it leads us to the thought, "This can't be it." When a painful situation moves us to consider, "There must be a better way," we have stretched out a hand for God to hold. Even if you do not utter those words, if you are wondering if life may have more to offer you than what you have been accepting, you are calling on divine power. Any intention to live at a higher vibration is a prayer, and attracts results -- often quickly.
3. A Conscious Call for Help. To admit that you need help and ask for it is a very powerful prayer. In so humbling yourself, you acknowledge that (1) what you have been doing is not working; (2) you need assistance beyond your current capacity, and (3) there is a higher power that can accomplish for you what you have been unable to do for yourself. Asking a friend or counselor for support, going to a bookstore to seek insight, attending a 12-step or similar meeting, or a simple "Help!" to an unseen power are all forms of prayer that are answered.
4. Petitioning for things or particular results. Many prayers ask God for a specific manifestation, such as a new car, the healing of a particular ailment or a soulmate. Often such prayers proceed from a sense of fear or lack as we turn to God to offset the emotional or material deficit we perceive. While asking for things is a limited form of prayer, our willingness to turn to a higher power blesses us, and our call for love is heard.
5. Conscious visualization for a particular result. Affirming is always more powerful than asking. Jesus advised us to "give thanks for what you ask for, even before you receive it." If you can feel the joy of already having the thing you request, you will hasten its manifestation. There is, of course, a danger in forcefully dictating a particular result since such a thing or circumstance may not be in our best interest.
6. Spontaneous Visioning. When you begin to delightfully fantasize about something, you set into motion an energetic wave that calls that situation into reality. Spontaneous visioning is one of the most effortless and most effective forms of prayer, for it operates at a level of innocence and purity that attracts marvelous results. I once saw an ad for an attractive job as director of a youth services agency. I was so excited about this opportunity that I began to imagine what I would do in the position. I made notes and mentally played in the arena of being the director. By the time I showed up for the interview I had an entire program plan that impressed the board of directors. I was given the job over another candidate by a vote of 5-4. The key is that I did not do the visioning to get the job; I did it as a playful fantasy of what I would love to be doing.
7. Petitioning or affirming for divine experience or qualities of life. While it may or may not be in your best interest to own a BMW, it is always in your best interest to recognize that you are an abundant being living in a universe that supports you to have everything you need to be happy. If you realize this in the depths of your being, you will attract everything you need; if a BMW is part of that picture, it will show up; if not, you do not want to force it. You will always be blessed if you pray for peace, right relationship, abundant fulfillment and the awareness of the presence of God.
8. Love and gratitude. To live in a state of appreciation is the highest and most productive use of your mind and heart, and will manifest the greatest fulfillment. To continually find and give thanks for the beauty, friendship and riches of your life is to bless your existence in the highest way and invite only more good. A simple but sincere "thank you" reaches God instantly and brings healing and fulfillment beyond all other forms of prayer.
9. The Golden Silence. After all the words have passed, we may sit in meditation in the fulfilled silence. At that point we recognize that we are one with the God we have prayed to, and the illusion of separation melts away into golden wholeness.
Alan Cohen is the author of the bestselling The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore. To order Alan's new book I Had It All the Time or request a free catalog of Alan's books, tapes, and workshop schedule, write to Hay House, Post Office Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018, or call 1-800-462-3013. For information about Alan's Mastery Training held in Hawaii and focusing deeply with fourteen participants, write to 430 Kukuna Road, Haiku, Hawaii 96708 or phone 1-808-572-0001.