http://www.ncreview.com/ 1712-854 http://www.ncreview.com/spirituality/how-to-pray-without-talking-to-god-moment-by-moment-choice-by-choice From the outset this book is an open invitation to expand not only our awareness, but also the way we identify with God. Moving away from the popular concepts of God as a superhuman being, an invisible parent or a bodyguard, Unity Minister Rev. Martella-Whitsett takes us on an insightful journey to God through the exploration of the “I AM,” or the pure presence of Being and spiritual essence. “Words produce effects. Whether our words and thoughts spring from our own experience or from our interpretation of others’ words, what we tell ourselves affects us” she tells us. With this Rev. Martella-Whitsett encapsulates the importance of the fundamental purposes of prayer. She demonstrates that because of the power and effect of words, it is vitally important that we pray and how we pray. The author’s road to self-realization is intersected with many of her own penetrating experiences offering signposts along the way. One of the key chapters is “Practice Denials and Affirmations In Prayer,” in which she explains how, paradoxically, spiritual denial can be used in a positive way to re-affirm positive thoughts and actions. To help us understand this, she gives concrete examples of both, and sample prayers that the reader may use directly or adapt. Subsequent chapters discuss the importance of a combined program of meditation and prayer, and the five phases of group prayer. The highlights at the end of each chapter are great for personal meditation or group discussion. Conversational in tone, the book feels like time spent with a good friend. By the end of the book the reader, regardless of his or her denomination, will have developed a deeper connection to the Divine through prayer and affirmations. This is a great book for anyone seeking to strengthen their spiritual practice, dig deeper into their own spiritual nature and let go of limiting, negative habits and beliefs; a book you can return to again and again and find something new each time. ]]> Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:49:06 -0800