To Goldsmith, the highest form of prayer is a listening meditation. After first contemplating the nature of God, one listens in the silence for “the still small voice.” 4

Words and thoughts are helpful as long as they lead up to the atmosphere of true communion, which is without words or thoughts. When words or thoughts alone constitute prayer, they become a barrier to God-realization.5 Prayer is the inner vision of harmony. This vision is attained by giving up the desire to change or improve anyone or anything.6

The method of praying for world peace, according to Goldsmith, is the same as for spiritual healing of individuals. That is, to experience communion with the God within. Once that Self is experienced, it is bound to bring well-being to others since we are all One.7

Inner prayer for Self experience is in sync with the popular spiritual song “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me”. And, it is in tune with Jesus when he advised his disciples to heal themselves before attempting to heal others.

By seeing more the importance of self realization in prayer, I have come to better understand and appreciate the ancient Hindu Vedantic prayer that I have been contemplating for more than thirty five years:

                                    Lead me from the Unreal to the Real

                                    Lead me from Darkness to Light

                                    Lead me from Death to Immortality


Hora and Goldsmith have helped me to understand what “Real” means and how to move in that direction. I am glad I stuck with this prayer! Continuing to pray mostly for my self and for my Self makes perfect sense to me at this time.

FOOTNOTES:

1. Menahem, Sam. PHD, WHEN THERAPY IS’NT ENOUGH, 1995, Chapter 3, “What is Prayer”, p.58

2. Hora, Thomas Hora, MD., IN QUEST OF WHOLENESS, 1998, Essay Seven, p. 67

3. Goldsmith, Joel S., THE THUNDER OF SILENCE, 1961, Chapter 2, “Karmic Law”; Part Two, “From the Unreal to the Real”

4. Goldsmith, ID., Chapter 19, “The Still Small Voice”

5. Goldsmith, THE INFINITE WAY, 1947, “Wisdoms of the Infinite Way”, #47

6. Goldsmith, ID., #7