A Divine Union: The Dance of the Self and the Sacred

The self can feel adrift, unmoored from any guiding star. We yearn for connection to something greater, a source of strength and wisdom beyond our own. Prayer, then, becomes a lifeline cast into the vast unknown. It is a heartfelt plea whispered into the silence. It seeks illumination, fortitude, and the grace to understand our place in the universe.

The Sacred Surrender: A Dance of Wills

“Align my will with thy will,” sings the heart.

This profound plea echoes through the corridors of time, resonating with the wisdom of ancient scriptures. The Bhagavad Gita paints a vivid portrait of this surrender when Lord Krishna counsels Arjuna, “Cast off all dharma, seek refuge in me alone. I shall liberate you from all sins, grieve not.” (BG 18.66). This sentiment finds a reflection in Gnostic texts as well, where the Gospel of Thomas advises, “When you make the two one, and when you make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside… then you will enter [the Kingdom].” (Thomas 22).

Union with the divine doesn’t diminish your essence—it refines it. It’s not about abandoning who you are, but about shedding the ego’s constricting grip and stepping into your true calling. It’s about becoming a conscious participant in the unfolding masterpiece of creation. Your individual journey contributes to a purpose far beyond your understanding.

Will vs Expectations: A Cosmic Dichotomy

In the celestial theater of life, will and expectations often play contrasting roles.

As Kahlil Gibran eloquently illuminates in ‘The Prophet,’ “Your longing for the land that meets the sea is your highest expectation. It is the blueprint of your ultimate achievement.”

Expectations, born from societal molds and personal desires, define our life’s objectives. These objectives include the coveted job. They also include the windfall fortune, the ideal partner, or the perfect form. They are not inherently flawed, but they are finite. They spring from a garden rooted in scarcity and fear, rather than the fertile soil of abundance and love.

Will, in contrast, is the soul’s song of surrender. It is the burning desire to ascend toward a higher purpose. One must bravely shed the cocoon of comfort. It involves venturing into the vast unknown. The Gnostic Gospel of Philip beautifully articulates this concept, saying, “Those who say they will die first and then rise are in error. If they do not first receive the resurrection while they live, when they die they will receive nothing.”

The Inner Compass: Praying from the Heart

How does one find this will, this inner compass, when it’s often veiled by the clamor of expectations and desires?

The answer, a silent whisper, echoes within. As Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet, wisely states, “What you seek is seeking you.” Instead of praying for gilded signs of abundance, pray to see your inherent worth clearly. Pray to manifest this worth in the world.

Let’s transform our prayers from transactional requests to collaborative journeys with the divine. Instead of “Grant me a job that pays well,” let’s ask, “Guide me to a path where I can fulfill my potential.” Let’s also ask to contribute meaningfully to the world. This shift transforms prayer from a plea for favors into a sacred dialogue. In this dialogue, we seek alignment with our highest purpose. We also become co-creators of a more fulfilling life.

Prayer, in this sacred space of authenticity and humility, aligns us with the rhythmic flow of abundance, love, and wisdom. It becomes a process of self-discovery, a harmonious dance with the divine.

Aligning our will with the divine isn’t about following a script. It’s about discovering our unique role in the grand symphony of existence. It transforms prayer from a petition for favors into a journey of self-discovery. Through surrender and acceptance, we uncover our true purpose. We celebrate the harmonious duet between our individual spirit and the divine orchestra of creation.

“I asked for strength, and God gave me difficulties to make me strong. I asked for wisdom, and God gave me problems to solve. I asked for prosperity, and God gave me a brain and brawn to work.” – Swami Vivekananda

Let us not simply seek worldly rewards. Instead, seek the wisdom to navigate life’s complexities. Seek the strength to overcome its challenges. Have the courage to share our unique gifts with the world. May we strive to embody our highest potential. Let us be fueled by a connection to something far greater than ourselves.