In Reply to: Re: Miracles (of inclusion) posted by CB on January 14, 2006 at 10:31:37:
Emptying one's self to avoid distractions in pursuing enlightment is a similar approach. In fact, most ideas I have come across in my search to understand why spiritual methods work for some and not for others are all similar. Requirements appear to have to happen under particular conditions of self denying but then go further into conditions of 'true separation' with the material and any outcomes. I see it all very close to 'delight thyself also in the Lord' so that there is no urge and need of anything else other than abiding in that state.
This is required in Christian prayer and in meditation of the hinduist and budist types. Reverence, obedience and other submissive attitudinal requirements are part of the preparation to receive revelation.
Yet my questioning of the existence of miracles comes not through what unfolds unexpectedly and wonderfully before my eyes, even as 'answer' to a prayer. It comes through my imperfect understanding of the physical laws, the suspicion that there is something real about ESP, the inclination to believe that my knowledge is incomplete and therefore that there must be something else.
So, has He really given us power to pray for things to happen and they will happen? I believe so, but the question then becomes, under what circumstances such prayers will happen? What conditions must be met?