Yo, God, Whaddup?: I Come to You in Prayer

by Catherine Taylor

Overview

Yo, God, Whaddup? introduces a new approach to prayer as it promotes growth on your spiritual journey. Catherine Taylor takes you by the hand and invites you to engage in a more active prayer life as she shares the process she developed to help alleviate anxiety about prayer. Yo, God, Whaddup? provides you with a variety of prayers written for both formal and informal prayer styles. Empower yourself to embark on a prayerful journey as you build your spiritual practice and strengthen your own personal relationship with God. Any time of the day or night, the guidance for just the right prayer is as close as your desk, nightstand, backpack, purse or wherever Yo, God, Whaddup? finds its home in your life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781504328852
Publisher:	Balboa Press
Publication date:	03/19/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	168
Sales rank:	872,682
File size:	231 KB

Read an Excerpt

Yo, God, Whaddup?

I Come to You in Prayer

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By Catherine Taylor

Balboa Press

Copyright © 2015 Catherine Taylor
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-5043-2884-5

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CHAPTER 1

About Prayer

God already knows the intentions of our hearts and our deepest thoughts. Therefore, altering our communication with God is done to improve our own comfort level with prayer. God is the closest entity to our hearts and is with us at all times, so why not address Him in the same manner we would address our closest friends or a loving parent? It does not matter what name we use for God; what matters is the connection we have with Him. Simply put, prayer is communication between us and the divine power of our own belief system, typically referred to as God in many Christian religions.

If you entered into conversations with friends and family, you would get as many different ideas about prayer as the number of people you ask. In other words, there is a certain intimacy involved with the concept of prayer. Therefore, there are several different approaches to prayer and different beliefs about when it's appropriate to pray, who should or shouldn't be present, and what should or shouldn't be prayed for. And let me say that it is not my intention to say there is any "right" or "wrong" way to approach prayer; I will simply acknowledge that, because prayer is an intimate relationship we each share with God, only you truly know in what way prayer best serves your relationship with him.

Our prayer lives are likely as unique as our own human individuality. Some people turn to prayer when serious needs arise, some when they attend church, and some when they are out for a walk in the park; others thoroughly embrace the concept of praying without ceasing. This book is not about judgment; the words expressed here are simply meant as a guide to help you build the prayer life that is right for you at this given time in your own life experience.

Prayer is an important and powerful channel of communication between our own conscious awareness and God. Our words and thoughts are powerful and become the material used to build our prayers upon and to state our innermost desires. And when we take these prayers and hold them collectively with groups of people, the power of prayer continues to expand. Therefore, the prayers we express for healing, peace, hope, and more are, indeed, powerful and have the potential to affect change in our lives and in our world.

Through prayer, we build and strengthen our personal connection with God. The stigma placed on formal prayer, however, interferes with that relationship because we begin to filter our language. The purpose of this book is to share some simple prayers with you that can be used to communicate consciously with God in a more simplistic and less intimidating manner.

Affirmative Prayer

To pray in the affirmative is to pray believing that you already possess what you are praying for. Pray as if you know that you have everything you need in order to have everything that you want. Do not be afraid to ask for help when necessary, and do not be afraid to utilize casual terminology. Instead, affirm that what you need is already there for the taking. Affirm that you, or someone you are praying for, are already whole and healthy. Affirm that the financial wealth you desire is already yours. And affirm that peace and comfort envelop you, your family, your community, your state, your country, and your world. Affirm, affirm, affirm!

CHAPTER 2

This Is Your Walk

An intimate walk with God is an amazing experience. Try not to let walls from societal expectations thwart that experience; instead, feel free to define your own relationship with the divine. Break free from the chains that hinder your progression. If it best suits you to address divinity in more formal terms, do so, but do not underestimate the power of turning to God as a dear friend. That resource is always available in whatever manner we are best prepared to utilize it.

If you feel intimidated by the concept of composing your own prayers, feel free to use the ones in this book, exclusively or as a guide. Allow the words to speak to you in the manner you need in any given moment.

Your prayer life is just that: yours. Take steps that are the right size for you. Build the relationship with the God of your own belief system and share your innermost thoughts, desires, dreams, and fears. Allow Him to take you by the hand and comfort you, allow Him to carry you when you feel too weak to support your own weight, and allow Him to guide your way and enlighten your path. If given the chance, almost everyone would take the opportunity to tell you what your prayer life should look like. Take any advice that feels comfortable for you, leave behind the advice that doesn't align with your own beliefs, and leave yourself open to grow and change. Your prayer life is your walk with God; make it all that you want it to be!

CHAPTER 3

Compose a Prayer in Five Easy Steps

I spent many years intimidated by the concept of prayer primarily because I was always under the impression that it was necessary for prayer to be formal, elegant, and lengthy. I have recently learned and accepted that this is not the case, so I came up with a series of five steps that I have begun to use in my own composition of prayer. Doing so is not necessary, however, because it is my belief that a prayer can be as simple as stating, "I could use a little help here." But some people like to have a defined process to follow, and even requesting a little help can be kept modest with a step-by-step approach. The steps I use are as follows:

1. Make an opening address.

2. Declare/state your purpose for prayer.

3. State affirmations or denials.

4. Express gratitude.

5. Make a closing address.

Make an Opening Address

In the opening address, feel free to use whatever name for God or the divine feels most comfortable for you. I have been all over the spectrum, from Dear God to You know, buddy. Every situation presents different needs. Sometimes I need a more formal figure in my consciousness, while at other times the image of a friend would better serve my needs. It is my belief that God's energy, or divinity, is omnipresent. Because of this belief, I do not envision that I am sending a request out to a heavenly void. I am instead convening with an extension of myself. Search within to define your relationship with God and choose an address that best fits that image or relationship. It may be mother, father, brother, or friend. The possibilities are as endless and unique as your needs in any given moment, so try not to spend energy limiting yourself to just one.

Declare/State Your Purpose for Prayer

When we turn to prayer, we always have a purpose. It is important to state this purpose—to declare what you are seeking through prayer. Since the act of praying is delivering your subconscious desires to your consciousness, the declaration of purpose is verbalizing to the universe the desires of your heart. Sometimes you may feel that you have a need you are not quite sure how to express, and in those moments it is acceptable to state that you are unsure about your purpose. Free yourself to place your faith in the truth that what you need will be brought to you. Trust that the purpose for your prayer is already known to the divine energy which flows within you, and embrace the belief that there are no mistakes in prayer.

State Affirmations or Denials

I believe in the power of affirmative prayer—that is, praying from the stance of believing you already have what you are requesting. By the same token, it is equally powerful to express denials through prayer, such as I know that as a precious child of God, I do not experience lack. Affirmations and denials are also effective as stand-alone tools. Bringing them into prayer, however, reiterates to our consciousness that we are holding great things for ourselves and others. The more desires and well-wishes are brought into awareness, the more powerful they become. Affirmations and denials become the meat of prayer; they are what prayer is all about. Prayer is not the request but rather the staking of claim on our true desires.

Express Gratitude

In prayer, gratitude is the expression of thanks for the blessings we already have and the blessings we know are to come. Again, this is about what we hold in consciousness. It is a supporting feature for the affirmation or denial we stated earlier in our prayer. Essentially, we are acknowledging that what we have affirmed (or denied) has already been provided. In possessing this belief, it becomes difficult to remain in a state of lack in regard to gratitude.

Make a Closing Address

The closing address in a prayer is the final wrap up; it is the bow atop the gift. The closing becomes the finalization of your conversation with the divine. Closing becomes the equivalent of Hey man, I'll see ya' later or take care. It is my belief that in the scope of divinity, there is no good-bye, and while we may consciously experience separation, the idea of a physical parting is a deception. Divine spirit is ubiquitous, and that is the reason that I choose to not utilize terminology as strong and final as good-bye in the closing of my prayers.

CHAPTER 4

How to Use This Book

As you read through this book, feel free to replace names and words that do not resonate with your own belief system. Where there are blanks, fill them in with the names of individuals for whom you are praying or the name for God that best serves your needs in the present moment. The addresses I have added are merely guides to aid you in finding your own expressions. As this book takes you on a journey toward a stronger prayer life, use the rendition that best suits your needs. You will find that there are formal and informal prayers, as well as versions written to address needs or concerns for yourself or for others. Remember that prayer can be as complex or simple as is right for you and that your approach and comfort level may change over time. Allow these transitions to happen naturally for you. My hope is that what you seek you find, that what you wish for is brought to you, and that, in the end, you find that all of your needs are met.

CHAPTER 5

Prayers by Topic

Abundance

What defines abundance is unique to each of us. Abundance might look like financial stability, unimaginable wealth, or being surrounded by the best of everything. Abundance might look like having food on the table each night, being surrounded by numerous friends and family members, or having the tools and supplies we need to get through a given challenge. The truth is, we have diverse desires and will find ourselves sufficiently satisfied at different levels. When praying for abundance, pray exactly for what you want; nothing is too small or too grand. Be specific. As you grow spiritually, allow your definition to grow with you and take on an expanded definition. Remain open to the possibility that what looks right today may look completely different tomorrow. Each time you decide to pray for abundance, hold in consciousness what you would like to see prosper, embrace the vision of you amidst the greatness meant for you, and revel in the happiness that is brought by this vision. The sky's the limit!

Prayer for abundance for self:

Informal

(Yo, God, whaddup?),

There is so much that I want. I know what I desire is already mine, so thanks for bringing me all that I want. Amen.

Formal

(Heavenly Spirit),

I come to you in prayer seeking the abundance I desire. I hold in my consciousness that there is no desire too grand for your divine work. Thank you for bringing everything I deserve to fruition.

Amen.

Prayer for abundance for others:

Informal

(Yo, God, whaddup?),

____________________ wants so much. I know that you can bring him/her the world. Thanks for making that happen for him/her.

Amen.

Formal

(Heavenly Spirit),

I bring myself into this divine space to request abundance for ___________________. Because he/she is your own precious child, we know that what he/she desires is already in his/her possession. Thank you for providing each of us with all of our heart's desires.

Amen.

Acceptance

From time to time, there are events that take place that challenge our ability to accept what is happening in our lives or in the world. The ability to cope with what is going on may require that we first accept certain aspects of the situation. Acceptance can prove to be a very real challenge, and it requires faith—faith that current events will be for our greatest good. So when we find that we are facing a particular struggle and that acceptance proves to be at the forefront of that struggle, turning to prayer to request assistance in accepting what we do not yet understand may be what brings the most significant amount of comfort.

Prayer for acceptance for self:

Informal

(Hey, Guy),

I'm not sure that I'm ready to accept this situation. I know that you always have a plan and that I should trust in that truth. Thanks for being there for me.

Amen.

Formal

(Divine Spirit),

There are things in my life that are a challenge for me to accept. I affirm that you always have a plan that has yet to be revealed, and I know in my heart that the plan is perfect for me. I am thankful for the tools I have that will help me to accept all that is occurring in my life at this moment.

Amen.

Prayer for acceptance for others:

Informal

(Hey, Guy),

____________________________ really needs help accepting things right now. I affirm that your plan is right for him/ her and is working toward his/her greatest good. Thank you for bringing him/her the acceptance he/she needs.

Amen.

Formal

(Divine Spirit),

_____________________ requires assistance accepting some factors that are currently at play in his/her life. I affirm for him/her that there is a plan in place for his/her life, and although he/she may not be able to understand right now, the ultimate outcome will be in his/her best divine interest. Thank you in advance for the acceptance I know he/she will begin to feel in his/her heart.

Amen.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments come in all shapes and sizes. Whatever goal you have set for yourself and achieved, it is always acceptable to rejoice and beam with pride. In your own heart, you know the sacrifices that were made, the effort that was put forth, and the true value the completion of each task holds. Whether your accomplishment comes in the form of a promotion or pay raise, the completion of a home project, or just making it through the day, share the success with God through prayer. You are his precious child, and he wants great things for you. Take the time to reflect on and pray for goals achieved as well as those still on the horizon. Embrace each accomplishment, and celebrate the moment fully. You earned it.

Prayer for accomplishments for self:

Informal

(Hey, my Friend),

I am overjoyed with the accomplishment I have achieved. I know that with you, nothing is impossible, and I am thankful for all that I have done so far.

Amen.

Formal

(My heavenly Father),

I am overcome with joy at the goals I have met and the achievements I have made. I have faith that my needs will always be met so that I may continue to accomplish all that I am meant to do in my life. Thank you for all of the success you have already brought me and for all of the success that remains on the horizon.

Amen.

Prayer for accomplishments for others:

Informal

(Hey, my Friend),

__________________ has met the goals he/she set for herself/himself. I know and affirm that you want good for him/her at all times. Thank you for his/her present and future success.

Amen.

Formal

(My heavenly Father),

We all have goals that we seek to accomplish, and this is no different for ____________________. I celebrate what he/she has achieved, accept that there is no such thing as failure, and know that he/she already has everything he/ she needs to continue to achieve greatness in his/her life. I am grateful for the many blessings he/she has already received, just as I am grateful for the many successes that remain on the horizon for him/her. Thank you, God.

Amen.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Yo, God, Whaddup? by Catherine Taylor. Copyright © 2015 Catherine Taylor. Excerpted by permission of Balboa Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Preface, ix,
Chapter 1 About Prayer, 1,
Chapter 2 This Is Your Walk, 7,
Chapter 3 Compose a Prayer in Five Easy Steps, 11,
Chapter 4 How to Use This Book, 19,
Chapter 5 Prayers by Topic, 23,
Index, 153,