Thank you Don Pablo and welcome to our group,

Would you define your prayer as petitionary or comtemplative or a combination of both?

my best to you,

Wow, that was quick! Hmm... the prayer does seem to be asking for a lot. But I think that way of asking is really a way of focusing oneself on the intention of what's being asked for. Not so much of asking for things but a way of opening oneself to these particular influences, that is, of beginning to cultivate these qualities by imagining that they actually are possible for me, and that by formulating these intentions, I can come into relationship with this Higher Power that I invoke. I'm not clear on the terminology, but this is what I see the prayer as doing for me, at this time.

Is that helpful?

So the goal is purely personal then?

Um... I would say neither purely nor ultimately. Admittedly the prayer is focused on "self", but I think the focus is a means to the end of serving the needs of the world more effectively, not the end in itself.

so are you are saying that the prayer is both petitionary and contemplative at the same time?

Yes, I guess it would combine these two, if I understandthe terms correctly. In general, I'm opposed to petitionary prayer on principle, because I don't think God/the Universe is a vast cosmic ATM dispensing personal favors. Prayer as I see it really is about turning oneself to the Ultimate, and, like I said, coming in to a relationship with that.

DonPablo, thanks for posting this also beautiful, within, and also outward-thinking, prayer. I particularly loved the lines about being mindful in the moment, and healing ourselves; hence, humanity.

There are also many, many prayers and inspirational quotations previously posted on the older tbd threads, titled:

LanSr---(orignally posted for our witty tbd member/author,LanSr; as he is battling cancer, and other health issues).

Additionally, kind prayers and meditations are posted on the tbd threads:

An Inspiration of Reading in Death

Forgiveness

Deep Thots from Ye Olde Philosopher: Parts One and Two,( a lot of these quotes are humorous)

When I Hear That Song

and:

It Was Not About Me and Them in the First Place!