Invitation to another Prayer List - Christine Kane

This weekend, I am facilitating another retreat for women. I’ve done about 10 of these now. You can read a little more about them here.

The last retreat I facilitated was in October. And I tried something I hadn’t done before. I invited my blog readers to be on a prayer list at the retreat. (Please read this post if you have general questions about this idea.) I asked readers to write to me either through the blog comments or through email and let me know their intentions or their prayer requests.

At each retreat I construct a funky little altar where each person adds intentions or a candle or a pinecone or a poem. At the October retreat, I also added a list of the 60 or so people who wrote in prayer requests. Every time the group gathered in a circle, I included these other people in our intentions and reminded each woman to hold that list in their meditation or prayer or whatever the activity was.

About half of the people who wrote in also wrote that they would include the women at the retreat in their prayers. It evolved into a reciprocal prayer list.

I can’t speak for the people on the list, but I can say that the October retreat was the most powerful I had experienced to date. It was as if the whole energy was lifted up a notch. There was more juice. There were more ah-ha moments. There was more depth. I believe that some of that was due to the power of prayer.

So, here’s another invitation to my readers.

This retreat is beginning this Friday afternoon at 2pm. If you’d like to be included on the prayer list, please leave a comment with your intention. Or, if you want to remain a little more anonymous, send an email to me at christine@christinekane.com and I will include your name on the list.

Here are some random things to know about the prayer list:

1 – You don’t have to be “in need” to be prayed for.

Lots of times we wait until we’re in a place of dire panic or deep frustration before we pray. Prayers are good even when you’re just wanting to remember to remain in gratitude while good things manifest in your life.

2 – Prayer is not pity.

I never pray for someone because I feel sorry for them. I only pray knowing the truth about them. And the truth about each of us is that, as Marianne Williamson wrote, “we are powerful beyond measure.” I pray with a knowingness and with affirmation of the truth about every soul.

3 – Prayer does not have an agenda.

I only pray for what you want and desire, not for what I think you might need. In other words, knowing the truth for someone and about someone requires that you know they are on their own perfect and right path. I don’t have any desire to bring my own ego into it. In other words, your intentions remain your own!

4 – You will remain anonymous.

I won’t announce your name or use your note as an example. Prayer works whether or not we consciously know who exactly you are or what exactly you want. I, obviously, will be reading your request. I usually add each person to my own daily prayers from the time I receive their email or comment until weeks after the retreat!

5 – If you can’t remember the truth about you, someone else can.

Ernest Holmes, the founder of Religious Science, spent a good part of his life teaching people how to be “practitioners.” Practitioners are people who can visualize and know the truth for you when you don’t have the faith to do it. The belief behind this is that we are all one, and that there is only one energy or force or mind. If one person knows the truth in that one mind, then it is known throughout the whole mind. When you think about it, when it comes to prayer, we are all practitioners! And it’s a powerful thing to know the truth for another person!

Send me an email or write in a comment by Friday morning. I’ll check them before I leave for the retreat…

39 COMMENTS ADD A COMMENT
  • Sarah

    I am writing to ask for a prayer request in regard to a man named Bill. Please pray with me for his salvation, and for those in his life who don’t know Jesus, or how much He truly loves them. I am not in a position to witness to this man personally, but others have been contacted to this regard. Please ask the Lord to extend His spirit to facilitate and lead a conversational witness through anyone whom He may choose. Please ask God to extend His grace toward Bill, doing everything needed to chase him, overcome his pride, lift the veil from his eyes, bring conviction to his heart and show him his need for a Savior. Like us all, Bill has made some mistakes, and has unfortunately had some tragic things to happen in his life. I fear his heart has hardened. He, and his loved ones need knowledge about God’s love, His grace, His glory, His offer of forgiveness, healing, deliverance, and protection–especially now because at this time Bill needs release from addictive vulnerabilities, depression, and is in danger of influence by unbelievers (who also need prayer) whose worldly beliefs stand in opposition to God’s word. Please ask the Lord to surround Bill with believers who can minister to him, and that He may use the challenges Bill has endured to further the kingdom and lead him to salvation; then, that others will see and also be pointed to Christ by what God does in Bill’s life.

    In His mercies,
    Sarah S.

  • Liz

    Please pray for my mother, Enriqueta G. She has cancer and needs healing. Thank you and God bless you for your work.

  • Wendy Hawthorne

    Please add me to your prayer list. I have coped with Multiple Sclerosis for 23 years, but now my body is filled with numbness and tingling from shoulders to toes. I know God can help me.

    Thanks
    Wendy

  • Susie

    Yikes, hope I’m not too late, but I would love to be added to the prayer list. In less than a year, I’ll be coming to a crossroads and making some big decisions. I’ll be deciding to either move back to Missouri, looking for a job, going back to school, or to sign onto AmeriCorps again. So, I could use some clarity to help me focus on which path to take next.

    Thanks for all that you do and I’ll keep everyone in mind thoughts as well!

  • Christine Kane

    HI Everyone, I’m doing the first print up now. You can still add your name, and I’ll catch the rest tomorrow morning. I just want you to know that you are on the list. Thanks so much for your courage to put your hearts and intents here. I’ve had many emails from people writing me to say that reading the comments made them cry. I think many more people are praying for you than just the retreaters! Thanks everyone! You’re with us this weekend!

  • Em

    Yes! Please include me in your prayer list. I couldn’t join this time around, but was so moved by your offer to be part of the weekend through the power of this prayer list. I totally resonated with the theme – Great Big Dreams and a habit of playing small – but I am working really hard to let go of this pattern once and for all in my life. And so my prayer request is to find the trust and courage to let go of all the old outmoded patterns, people, habits, beliefs, and accumulated ‘stuff’ and to start taking some big risks to move me forward again. Oh, and then a prayer to help me to ‘Just Say YES’ to all the gifts in my life and to allow myself to graciously receive and welcome all the ‘new’ wonderful supporitve people and experiences into my life without hesitation, doubt, or self-sabotage. Thanks so very much! My intention for you this weekend is that you all find yourselves unlocked and unleashed and loving every minute of your Great Big Lives full of Great Big Dreams Fulfilled!

  • Kat

    Please add me to your prayer list. I have felt so good in the past about being on a spiritual path but recently am feeling like I am doing everything “wrong”. It’s hard to believe that I am still on the right path and would really like to have that feeling/knowing again. Thank you, Kat

  • Susanne

    I’d like to be included too. I’m in the middle of a scary but hopefully beautiful transition right now.

    Best wishes for your retreat.

  • María

    Hi Christine! I would appreciate a lot being included in your prayer list. I need clarity and focus to live the life I want, because I have the impression that I live through inertia. I’m sure your prayers will help me. Thanks a lot for sharing so much with us.

  • ChickiePam

    Hi Christine,

    Thanks for doing this. I’ll be attending your retreat…my first ever. I was blessed to be on your prayer list for the last one and can attest to the benefits of prayer. October was a turning point for me. I was able to find some closure over a major life event and return to planet earth, living out loud. Was it the prayers, the events that lead to the closure, or just a coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidence, and you were one of many who prayed for and with me. So I’ll be there adding my prayers to the many…and grateful to be able to do so.
    Pam

  • Tamara

    Please add me to your prayer list. I’m in the midst of total change out on the open sea, as my job is ending and it appears I’ll be moving out-of-state. I need wisdom and faith to trust that I’m on course. And acceptance if the “shore” doesn’t become visible sometime soon.

    I’ll be praying for you and the attendees.

  • Paula

    Christine,

    I’m sending my intent out with the collective for a powerful retreat that opens all in attendance (physical and otherwise) to the spirit that seeks to unfold within us all.

  • Angela

    Thank you for offering this Christine – it’s a lovely thing.

    Please add me to your prayer list. I moved countries 5 years ago and have struggled to come to terms with the move and all the events that have taken place since that move. I’m badly in need of some faith in myself and help with the direction my life should take.

    Have a wonderful retreat – I’ll be thinking of you and all the people on it.

  • Kelli King

    Christine, I stumbled upon your incredilble words, womanhood and music last night.
    I am so happy to find your brilliant, brilliant light. I can hardly wait to know you better. My psychic chord is now attached and I offer my energy to your retreat. I lift my heart and soul and broaden your circle with one more set of hands and one more voice in prayer. Thank you for the invitation…

    One final note: an offering of thanks from me; last summer, at 37, I finally broke my silence and began to, gulp, publically share my songs! I’ve never known such happiness in all my life. I am deeply grateful to be off my couch. Say a special prayer for all us late bloomers!

    your friend and newest fan, kelli

  • Beth

    Please include me in your prayer list…That I can break out of my comfort zones and learn to embrace change, even seek out change, when it could mean a more fulfilling life.

    Have a great retreat!

  • Joy

    please know for me that there is a deep and complete healing of my relationship with my sister-in-law. that i see her essence and keep my heart open. that i am completely comfortable and centered when i’m with her.

    thank you and all your retreatees for including those of us who won’t be at your retreat in your prayers. you are in mine.

  • Raquel

    Please include me on your list. I have spent a lot of time recently attempting to find my purpose and identify my desires. I am doing this so I can live a more focused and intentioned life…yet, when I try to identify these things, I am burdened by “chatter” and the desires other people have for me. Think of me this weekend! Thank you – R.

  • Caren

    Phew – I’m so emotional reading these! I am going to the retreat, and all of my thoughts about it so far were very… self-oriented. What will it be like? What can I expect? What is the intention I’m setting for it? Etc. Until I read this, I forgot that things like this are larger than ME. (“Wait!” my ego’s saying – “Isn’t it ALL about me?” LOL) Just this past Sunday, we had a guest speaker in our church. He spoke about the power of community, and of creating social capital. His main point was how getting together, face-to-face can make a HUGE difference, and shift things. I treasure my online communities, but I know what he was saying is right. I’m a member of a UU Church, so he didn’t add the “in my name” part (though he could have – we’re open-minded enough!), but he kept repeating, “Where two or more are gathered, lies infinite possibility.” I confess, I didn’t think of the retreat until I read this today….

    I am so grateful to be a small part of the “something larger” that will be happening this weekend. Thanks for the prayers, and for the reiki! And for the opportunity to pray for y’all. Infinite possibilities, indeed….

  • Mike

    Please add me to the prayer list. Pray that I am granted the strength to transcend my fears and doubts and begin using my talents to lift those around me.

    Thanks in advance.

  • lee

    Christine, what a nice idea! Pray for two things. One, that the division in my in-law’s family heals. Two, that what I’ve been working on so hard lately comes to fruition. Thanks! God Bless!

  • alison

    thank you for adding me in your prayer list, my request is that may i release all my fears, be a better being that is full of love and grow beautifully in all areas of my life.

  • Lindsey

    I love your blog and I would love to be added to your prayer list. My prayer is that I can break out of this shell I have put around myself, be open to allowing people into my life and also open myself to the abundance that the universe has. Thank you.

  • Megan

    I would be grateful to be included on such a powerful place of prayer. I have for the first time since last retreat gone into my “frightened” place about my future. I have slipped into the negative for a day or two and I would love to receive some of your positive energy and light. I need to remember my affirmation, “I manifest the positive.” Have a wonderful retreat.

  • Kristine

    Please add me to the list- my prayer is that my new job is the blessing I need in my life right now!

  • embryo

    My prayer for the retreat: Hearts and minds will be aligned as souls search, and release, and intend with laughter, and tears, and the warmth of the circle.
    My prayer for Tommie: That her broken heart will heal as she holds close the lives of those that she has lost, and lifts them up to the goodness of the universe….may we recieve the goodness of those that have left us…and live a better life. (neighbor nel)

  • Tommie Pratt (Nel’s neighbor)

    I would love to be included. I have had so many profound losses this year.
    My Mom died on Aug. 8, my mother in law (at 97) on Aug. 29,my ex- husband on Oct. 28, my dear friend Joyce on Oct. 29, my former boss on labor day,
    my old neighbor on Dec. 24. I request a prayer that I can remember the goodness and release the sadness, and move into a new place.
    Please also include Amanda and Seth and their lovely beach wedding this weekend.
    I loved Stacey’s stories.
    I will pray for the group that they may feel the energy and recognize the things they need to do to open up their lives.
    I am always amazed at your blogs.

  • Judy

    I love the idea of idea of the collective energy of the group be enhanced by the force of those at at distance!
    I’ll put in a request for a prayer that I continue on my journey toward living my life in it’s fullest and truest sense.

  • Teachervic

    Please add me to the prayer list and I will hold you all in prayer, also. I could use a whopping dose of health and peace in my family. Thank you.

  • Lucimama

    Whoops. I subscribe to your blog via LiveJournal and I left my comment there. It just dawned on me that you may not able to see it there, so I’m reposting here.

    Anytime anyone wants to pray for me, for my highest good, I love it! So yes, please, and thank you. In return, I’ll send some Reiki to everyone praying on Friday afternoon, to add to everyone else’s energy.

    Have a great retreat, Christine! I mean, I know you *will,* because that’s your intention, but I’m reminding you of the support you have from your readers, even those who can’t attend in person (this time).

  • Stacey

    What a lovely idea! And I would love to be included – I have just written a children’s story, Ravenna, that I have been dreaming of for over 2 years – and I would gratefully accept any prayers that would help it find a home in a wonderful publishing house. You can read the story (and see a painting by Daniel Nevins, the would-be illustrator) on my blog http://www.myfriendoprah.blogspot.com

    I will certainly include the women gathering this weekend in my prayers. I hope to join you next time – if my son has weaned by that time 🙂

  • Rebecca

    Please add me to your prayer list. That in this time of change and changing directions, I will be able to follow what my gut instinct says is best and ask the best questions and find the guidance I need.

  • Lael

    Please add me to the prayer list – that when I’m answering questions, I am easily and effortlessly able to bring to mind and put in to words appropriate answers.

    I’ll also add the women at your retreat to my prayer list.

    Thanks!

  • Jen

    Please add me to the prayer list also! Please pray that I will continue to work through my inner “confusion”, find my true self and express that self fearlessly. Please also pray that I choose actions that express love and gratitude rather than fear-based actions … that I gain more clarity in identifying my true intentions and weeding out those that ultimately do not contribute to the person I wish to become.

    I will also pray for everyone at your retreat … praying that you and the attendees experience even more of those ah-ha moments and an energy like no other!

    Thank you!
    Jen

  • bridgegirl

    Please add me to the prayer list…Praying that my word of the year (LOVE) be manifest more completely in my life and that I continue opening to love in my life. …Also, that I stay in a centered place of peace rather than following those nasty little thought patterns that can sabotage the quest for and true sight of love as it exists.

    I’ll be praying for a powerful retreat for all of you and thinking fondly of all that the experience meant to me….the gifts continue to reveal themselves and new insights unfold…

  • Colin

    I prayed that you would answer quickly. I prayed that you would answer well. My prayers are answered. God bless!!
    Love,
    Colin

  • Christine Kane

    Cynthia… you got it!

    And all I need to do is write about theological concepts in vague and non-academic ways to bring Colin out of his hiding place! 🙂 My apologies for the apparent contradictions here Colin. Keep in mind there are volumes written about being a practitioner, so this is pretty condensed. In Science of Mind, the pray-ee tells the practitioner what he/she wants, and the practitioner knows “the truth” for that person. The truth is always about love, healing, abundance, peace, etc. Personal “truth” is a whole topic unto itself. I think it is mistakenly believed to be “i feel this way and that’s my personal truth” or whatever. In my own experience, I feel like we are all one, AND we each create our life to be what it is based on our connection to that one-ness. (It’s a lot more than I can explain here in the comments. I hope you get the idea.) My intent in writing about agendas is that I’ve had people say they were going to pray for my soul… meaning that they believed I was going to hell and I needed them to “save” me. IMHO, THAT is agenda.

    susan, Thanks for writing. And we will include you in our circle!

  • Susan Reynolds

    Aren’t I lucky that Liz’s “open mike night” put you on my radar . . . and your blog landed on my RSS feed.
    My seemingly endless six month emotional downturn may be just one more clue that my spiritual side and ability to be open to acts of kindness from others could use some pumping up. It’s a sure thing that on most days I could use a few prayers.

  • Colin

    I’m curious. You stated that you should not pray for someone to get what you think they want, but then you stated that “Practitioners are people who can visualize and know the truth for you when you don’t have the faith to do it.” Then, presumably, they pray for what they have ascertained what you need. I see a contradiction in that. I also see an opposition to the “collective” truth (…”we are all one, and that there is only one energy or force or mind. If one person knows the truth in that one mind, then it is known throughout the whole mind.”) that you mention with the “your personal truth” that is implied in previous blogs. Do you acknowledge absolute truths? Tell me what you think.
    Colin

  • Cynthia

    I would love to be added to the prayer list to reinforce my ability to keep my conduit of prosperity WIDE OPEN, as a bidirectional channel of abundance! Thank you.