Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Prayer

I believe in prayer. The power of prayer is probably the most powerful force in the world, the universe. For me prayer is my personal communication with my maker, my lord. To some who are non-believers, they may call prayer; meditation, quite time or whatever they may like.

From a personal point of view, I pray daily. Being raised a Roman Catholic I have my standard prayers (Our “Hail Mary’s”, The “Lords Prayer”, A “Glory Be”, An “Act of Contrition” etc :) but then there is my direct communication, my one on one time, me to the lord.

Today, I found myself alone in the house for a short time and I began to pray. Before I knew it, I was praying aloud as if God was sitting right next to me (and he was). There were no formal words; I thanked him for what I have, for what he has done in my life, and for my life! Then of course, I asked him for things. Health was on the top of that list and not so much for me (although I did not fail to include me on the list) but mostly for my wife, son, daughter in law and the future baby soon to be part of our world and life. Then there were special thanks for my grandson and what a gift he is and to protect him (by now I was in tears).

Before you know it, I was feeling guilty. I didn’t want to leave anyone out, I prayed for my mother in law, my extended family, my friends, my blog buddies, and for even people I didn’t know. I also asked for a few other things….like strength.

I am not posting this to share my prayers or try to convert anyone. What I am trying to say is afterwards I felt, GREAT!

I felt strong, as if a weight was lifted off my shoulder.

Me, I believe it was my direct communication with the “Big Guy”. I highly recommend it. Again, if you are not the spiritual type then just a little alone time and speak out loud, how you feel. Holler if need be, cry out in pain if that is what you are feeling. Crying is not a sign of weakness but rather a way of cleansing of ones mind and spirit.

People have been praying and meditating for trillions (ha) of years. Some call it meditation, some call it prayer, call it what you want to, I just say it is a great experience.

Spending time with yourself, deep time, getting things together, being thankful for the things that have worked (and there is plenty of things that work), verbalizing what you need to have happen, what you want to happen. Being grateful for the things in your life, even the small things, can help one along the path with great power.

Getting yourself in a positive mood and being positive helps in those self-struggles, we all face. So for me, I had a great spiritual morning and wanted to share it with my friends (I must be honest it was not my first). I feel extra good, extra strong and very happy.
Why not share it?

If you are one who prays (or meditates), then I am sure you understand what I am saying and for those who have different beliefs or no beliefs then I just ask you to find some time to spend with you. You will find that you need a little affirmation, forgiveness, and some direction.

Go for it and never ever forget about yourself …in this very complex world!

Have a great day!

Peace of mind and Peace be with you

Love
Mike

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
You have hit a home run with this message and it is a poweer house. I get it and thank you.
Linda

Anonymous said...

I love reading your posts. You are filled with gratitude, and it shows. I will keep YOU in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

After reading this blog i took the time and went off to a quiet spot and took the time to be with me and my thoughts and my prayers and it did help .. I sat there and cried for what was going on in my life and asked for help and asked for guidance on how to handle it ...i prayed for my family to pull through this and for my friends and thanked for all the support i have been given but most importantly i prayed for myself to make it through this and come out stronger and to be able to take care of me during this and not drift away from what is important ...
Mike i thank you from the bottom of my heart and for helping me put things into perspective right now and for reminding me what is important ... i love ya for that...

Huggs and love for all
Carol

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
I never realized your were so spiritual. Yet I should have. You have so many levels and are a beautiful man.
I just as Carol did spent some time with myself and prayed.
Bless You
Tyler

Anonymous said...

Mike
I read this and as alwasy you not only move me but you get me to react. This time with myself and my God!
Thanks
Karen T

Kathy said...

My dear friend Mike, I appreciate and respect your faith so much. I would like to pass along a favorite passage of mine about prayer. It is from a book called Courage to Change. It reads.
"While walking through the woods one day, I was surprised to hear a child's voice. I followed the sound, trying in vain to understand the child's words. When I spotted a boy perched on a rock, I realized why his words had made no sense. He was repeating the alphabet. "Why are you saying your ABCs so many times?" I asked him. The child replied, "I'm saying my prayers." I couldn't help but laugh. "Prayers?" All I hear is the alphabet." Patiently the child explained, "Well, I don't know all the words, so I give God the letters. God knows what I'm trying to say."
I have felt the comfort and strength from your prayers for me. No matter how we pray or what words we use, no matter how we see God, it is the spirit of prayer that matters. I also keep you constantly in my prayers for your continued health, happiness and for that new grandchild you are anxiously awaiting.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I love it. The whole thing blog is great. The people who contribute to the comment section is so helpful. Thank you Mike and thank you all his friends.
Louie W

Nancy said...

Dear Michael, saw an episode of Discovery Health last night which you were in. Have been thinking about you and wondering and hoping that your health is good. Your post was awesome. I began a meditation class last week, it was amazing. Its such a healthy thing to allow yourself that "me" time. Congrats on the pending arrival of the new baby! Take care.

Nancy in OKC

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
Saw you on Discovery and it wasn't the first time. I could watch it over and over. Then I come to your blog and and fall in love with what you have to say and some of the people who share in the comment section.
Thank you so much.
Sydney

Anonymous said...

HEY GUYS I AM THE VERY PROUD NEW GRANDPA OF A NEW BABY BOY! WOW DOUBLE THE PLEASURE!
ALL THE BEST TO MY SON, DAUGHTER IN LAW AND THEIR FAMILY

LOVE TO ALL
MIKE HEBRANKO

Kathy said...

Mazal-tov Mike! God bless you and your family in this happy time.

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
This blog and in particular this posting has really touched me and opened up my eyes. Now I have said this over and over but according to you I have to keep trying. I love what you have to say
Baker WY.

Anonymous said...

Mike
Coming to this blog is like a friendly uplifting educating place. I love to read what you and the others have to say. What does a person do if they can not get back on the wagon?
Thelma from Selma (seriously)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on baby Nicholas...... he is beautiful ... all the best to Mikey and Nancy and the two lil ones now

Love you
Carol

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I love what you have wrote about prayer and also what you write about yourself on your blog page. That you love life. You want me to love life too. Your quotes at the top where do they come from? Is there a book of them?
Well please continue to write, it helps so much.
Irene Thomas

Anonymous said...

Thank you for such great things that you and many of your guest share.
Linda

Anonymous said...

Gee you are a grandfather of two and they said it would not last. We are a very special couple and have shared some maany things in our life. I remember when you firswt needed help and they gave you on a 10% percent chance to survive. We took the chance and we won. You started winning by learning about you and it was not easy. Let's look now so much has changed in the world. Obese people can get help without going to a zoo or aquarium for test, they have beds and robes that fit. I guess we did make some contributions and it has paid off. God has been very good to us and we now have two beautiful grandcildren to love and a world that is open to us in a way that it has never been before. Thank you for caring enough to take care of you. Also keep on sharing we need you.

Love me