Essene Healing Open Post

[ecosophia]

Longtime reader and commenter Tunesmyth, who coordinates the Ecosophia Prayer List, had a useful suggestion over on this week's open post on my main blog: 

"Over in the thread on the prayer list where this discussion first came up, there have now been two MOE practitioners who have piped in with somewhat different perspectives about what is desired or needful regarding bringing healer and those needing healing together via the internet. I am certainly happy to play a part in making something happen, perhaps integrating or linked with the current prayer list in some way. But I think there first needs to a bit more of a conversation between those who are planning to do this work about what they would like to see happening, exactly, when it comes to making a site, and/or possibly adjusting the “healing” section of the Ecosophia prayer list.

"JMG, might I suggest that you might start a new MOE thread on the Dreamwidth site in order to facilitate a discussion within the full MOE practitioner community about this?"

That strikes me as a very good idea. So -- let's have that conversation. Those of you who want to practice Essene healing online, what do you need to direct healings and blessings toward people who need it? Those of you who need healing, what level of contact are you comfortable having? What other issues might need to be addressed?  Have at it.
 

Comments

[tunesmyth]

I of course don't hold any of the ultimate answers to these questions; but at the very least I can share the worldview I've developed regarding the relationship between deity and humans via prayer, with the hope that you might gain something from it toward your own understanding of the MOE work.

Divinity can be all-present, all-knowing, and all-loving* and still be directable (or at least petitionable), and having good reasons for prayer is important. Think of parents who are wise, loving, and fully involved in their children's development without being controlling. They want their child to build independence and strength of character, and so they focus on giving their child the best environment in which to learn and grow, rather than just giving them the easiest life possible. This means, generally, a hands off approach. Of course, if the child ever asks the parents for help, they will consider it-- but they might not always actually choose to give any. It depends on several factors, including:

(1) What level of communication the child has managed to develop
(2) Whether the child is really trying their best even before parental intervention comes into play
(3) The outcome they feel is best at the end of the day, balancing the child's wishes or needs with those of other children

For instance, if the child has moved out on their own and suddenly calls asking for extra funds, the parents are going to want to know some more details before sending cash. Even if they already heard the details from someone else, they want to hear their child's version in their own words. Why is it necessary in this case? What steps is the child taking to deal with the situation already on their own? Etc.

Likewise, with prayer (and I presume with MOE work), the gods are not magical candy dispensers. Rather, they are timeless forces of perfection upholding the universe. They won't get involved without an invitation anymore than a grade schooler's parents get involved with every small disagreement on the playground. While they are aware that such things happen, they won't directly get involved in such events unless the child or a teacher comes to them and asks for some involvement. So it is, I believe, with the gods.

When you make a request for a specific outcome, yes, it's expressing your idea rather than "Divine Will". But just as a parent is delighted-- in the right circumstances-- when their child comes to them for help with a problem at school, so, I believe, the gods are fine with us asking for particular outcomes (as long as we are not *demanding* them). In both cases, depending on the details, the higher authority may sometimes judge that it is better not to get involved; but sometimes they will be delighted to help out when asked, and see it as an opportunity for teaching, bonding, and growth.

Anyway, that's my simple perspective, and I hope it helps you in some small way!
____________
*(though not all deities necessarily share all of those qualities!)

[temporaryreality]

It does help, thank you!

your message and the several others that used expanded the metaphorical language around prayer and requests made of deities were helpful - I tend(ed) to take things rather literally, without remembering that analogies could be useful here. Since I don't have a conscious relationship with any particular deity, it's all been rather abstract - thanks for grounding this for me.