ACIM Song of Prayer
Reading and Interpretation of "Prayer is a way to true humility": Soo Kim read the passage on humility, which they noted brings peace because it removes the need to "rule the universe, nor judge all things". Jevon Perra reflected that their personal struggle often stems from judging things as they "shouldn't be" instead of accepting them as they are.
Humility and Laying Down of Judgment: Denise Darlene defined humility as the laying down of judgment, contrasting it with the ego's claim to "know everything" and the way things should be. Soo Kim observed that it is difficult to let go of the need to be right, especially if validation depended on it during childhood.
Suffering as a Choice and for Connection: Denise Darlene shared a personal experience where they recognized that they chose suffering, realizing it allowed them to connect with others and receive special treatment or attention. They were later able to lay down suffering when they could no longer find a "good reason to continue to suffer".
The Illusion of Future Accomplishment: Jevon Perra reflected that their suffering centers around preparing and accomplishing in the belief that it will lead to "enough". They had an insight that future accomplishment would ultimately feel the same as the present moment, realizing the suffering exists only because they believe they do not currently have what they need.
The Pain of Ending Struggle: Jevon Perra acknowledged that they enjoy the pursuit and accomplishment, which has become tied to their identity and sense of lovability. They noted that letting go of this struggle and suffering can also be painful while the old pattern is "dying," but freedom follows the "death of it".
Illusions and Humility Cannot Coexist: Soo Kim read that "Illusions and humility have goals so far apart they cannot coexist". Jevon Perra elaborated that illusions are created when attention is projected outward, making what has been projected seem real, which prevents the engagement of humility.
Humility as Power Under Constraint: Jevon Perra shared the definition of humility as "power under constraint," like a broken horse that is still powerful but controlled and safe. They related this to spiritual identity, where power comes from an eternal nature that already has everything and does not need to earn love.
Waking Up to Reality and the Shift in Focus: Jevon Perra used the analogy of mistaking a rope for a snake in the dark to illustrate that waking up means not buying into the illusion, even though the physical object remains. They noted that the normal human activity is to look for differences and cherish "specialness," which is tied to scarcity.
Scarcity Versus Abundance: Jevon Perra contrasted the world's value system, where scarcity equals value (like gold), with the godly things, where abundance and commonality lead to contentment. They proposed that the suffering created by separation and uniqueness dissolves when one recognizes the "God stuff" that makes up everyone.
Seeing Innocence in Others: Jevon Perra suggested that seeing an enemy as oneself, as another unique expression of God stuff, allows for the perception of innocence, even in figures like Hitler. This realization leads to the understanding that one "can't go without" anyone, as they are all part of the self.
The Story of Byron Katie and Oneness: Jevon Perra recounted the story of Byron Katie, who looked into the eyes of a man threatening them with a gun and loved them, seeing "sameness". Denise Darlene also shared a story about Katie after she was released from a facility, demonstrating a total lack of separation where she saw everything as one and was willing to give away her house.
Recommendation of Byron Katie's Work: Denise Darlene highly recommended listening to Byron Katie's audio book, *Loving What Is*. Jevon Perra mentioned that Katie's story involves an enlightening experience where they lost their separate identity and became one with everything, teaching others to "love reality".
The Conclusion of "The latter ends": Soo Kim read the concluding passage that states learning is no longer needed when one stands at the gate of heaven with their brother beside them, and time ends forever. Prayer is completed because the individual has recognized the Christ in themself.
Heaven and the Concept of Salvation: Denise Darlene reflected on the beauty of the conclusion, stating that heaven cannot exist without everyone present, challenging the religious idea that one could be happy in heaven while others are in hell. Jevon Perra noted the data is "mounting" that they do not know their own best interest.
