Customer Reviews

Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer: The Hidden Power of Beauty, Blessings, Wisdom, and Hurt

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

"There's almost a universal sense that we have ancient magical powers within us. From the time we're children, we fantasize about our ability to do things that are beyond the realm of reason and logic. And why not? While we're children, the rules that say miracles can't happen in our lives have not yet been ingrained in us to the point that they become limits in our beliefs." - From the book

From Christianity to Hinduism, Sufism to Judaism, prayer serves as a vital cornerstone to spiritual traditions worldwide. It has been said that prayer is talking to the Divine, while meditation is listening for the answer. But what if the body--our physical, earthen vessel--contains a lost mode of prayer? And what if sacred texts and traditions reference this type of prayer--some of which were lost during human editing?

In Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer, author Gregg Braden explores ideas both scientific and spiritual in the quest for understanding the mechanics of prayer and its effects on "reality". Explaining quantum physics and "The Field", Braden demonstrates how "reality" is simply the mirror of our beliefs. That is, the sum total of our experience is, in fact, the result--indeed, the projection--of our beliefs.

By praying "for" peace, Braden surmises, are we not inviting more war by acknowledging that peace is not already here? While this may seem like New Age gobbledygook, the author presents convincing evidence that spiritual traditions and avatars knew a secret to prayer that was beyond mere words--a mode based on "feeling".

The Gnostic Gospels and the New Testament were edited for various reasons, but Braden shares an intriguing version of John 16:24: "Ask without hidden motive and be surrounded by your answer." He then relates a story about accompanying a Native American to the sacred medicine wheel to "pray rain". Not pray FOR rain...but to :pray rain". Rather than supplicate a deity to provide what isn't there, this particular spiritual tradition advocated being surrounded by the answer. That is, imagining the smell of impending rain, actually "feeling" the droplets on an upturned face, and visualizing lush flora.

Echoing this same idea, Braden facilitated a 22-day pilgrimage to Tibet, and the monks and nuns shared instructions for a way to pray that was largely lost to the West because of fourth-century Biblical edits. Preserved in ancient texts and traditions, this "lost" mode of prayer has no words or outward expression, but is based solely on feeling.

Braden cites scientific studies on prayer and the Quantum Field, showing how the "observer" affects reality not only on an individual level, but also on a larger, societal level. Braden also shares the wisdom from various spiritual traditions--from Jesus to the Dalai Lama, Navajo to Gnostics--pointing to why we are here on Earth and how to make the best out of our Earthly journey.

Peppered with poignant personal anecdotes, Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer reveals five powerful secrets to prayer and spiritual growth:

1. Our Lost Mode of Prayer - Braden shares the powerful secret of "feeling" prayer and being surrounded by the answer.

2. Hurt is the Teacher, Wisdom is the Lesson - Braden says that balance is not all it's cracked up to be. Using fractal geometry as an example, he explains that just when things seem to be "just so", chaos ensues. However, the Universe never brings about any situation until we already have the tools to handle it.

3. Blessing is the Release - Describing blessing as an "emotional lubricant", Braden discusses how "frozen" hurts can cause illness, and how blessing can move us beyond confusing and frustrating situations--allowing these feelings to move THROUGH us.

4. Beauty is the Transformer - Using the raging fires of Taos as an example--as well as encounters with "imperfect" people--the author movingly shows readers how beauty surrounds us always.

5. Creating Your Own Prayers - Childhood rhymes and traditional singsong prayers may hold the key to a powerful mode of praying.

Printed on 194 glossy pages with an attractive "puffy" covers, Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer taps into a potent spiritual "technology" that enhances life, heals hurts, and transforms perspectives. Sharing personal stories, scientific theory, and sacred wisdom from several traditions, Braden offers humanity a powerful blueprint for consciously creating a beautiful, peaceful reality.

I loved this book! I felt spiritually nourished while reading it, often moved to tears by Braden's stories. But I also felt anticipation and excitement, especially at the thought that if humanity gets a hold of this "lost mode" of prayer--and puts these simple yet profound ideas into practice--that anything is possible.

It's now clear to me why so many prayers have gone unfulfilled: Too many of us have had it all wrong. Prayer isn't about the words; it's about the feeling behind the words. Yet many of us have been taught to memorize and recite the words, which we do; but by focusing so much on the prayers we've memorized, we have totally ignored the feelings the words are meant to provide.

Gregg Braden's discoveries now show us that we don't need words at all. In his latest book, Secrets Of The Lost Mode Of Prayer, he takes us through his journeys from New Mexico to Tibet and beyond. In fact, Braden has searched every continent on the planet except Antarctica delving into the mysteries of our past. What he has learned from his travels may surprise you; but even better, it may teach you the secret to empowering your life with the ancient, "lost" mode of prayer.

~ Bob Olson, OfSpirit.com editor

Humans tend to be time-sensitive. Often, we think that nothing of importance was thought or written before the age we presently inhabit. Gregg Braden suggests that the recent understanding of the field that pervades everyone and everything was present long, long ago and has been consistently misinterpreted. Communicating with the field is the "lost mode of prayer."

He reinterprets this "lost mode of prayer" in terms of what quantum physics has recently shown us and in terms of his own experiences with powerful masters and people traveling through the "dark night of the soul."

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The "lost" ideas it presents link science and spirtuality in a unique way.

Get it. Enjoy it. Five stars!

Phyllis Staff, Ph.D.
author:
"How to Find Great Senior Housing," and
"128 Ways to Prevent Alzheimer's and Other Dementias"

THis book has provided real inspiration to me in my spiritual life. First, it helped me to a breakthrough in my understanding of prayer. Instead of prayer to an 'outside' energy for extending help to me - which sits awkwardly with my belief that we are all One - Gregg Braden speaks of prayers which are simply "feelings" of how it is when we have what we desire or need. We use the power of our intention and belief in the outcome to feel into the state or situation which we desire, and 'be' it in our imagination - and this connects us directly with that energy in the universe. (I have tried it - for healing something in my body - and it has worked!) His advice on blessing those who hurt or offend us in order to release ourselves is also inspirational. It's a clear and easy read, with beautiful images from various religious traditions to inspire along the way.

I finished this book today, and am left with the feeling that there well may be something profoundly powerful about what he is saying here. If anything, it may be dismissed because it is so seemingly simple! We humans tend to like to complicate things. So for me now, it's practise, practise... I can almost feel what this is already -- maybe I'm just a little afraid to try it. I was very intrigued by the idea of not just doing prayer at a proscribed time, but all the time, all day, is your prayer. That's a challenge for focus and transformation if ever there was one.
The book is certainly a beautiful thing visually as well, the images for me served to heighten my feeling of connection to humanity's spiritual journey through eons of our history. This leads to my one complaint, which is that Braden's prose did not equal the poetry of the images, so the book felt imbalanced in that sense. In all though, what he is saying is certainly worth contemplating, and trying.

All of Gregg's books have broadened and enlightened me, but his latest,"Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer, is, or can be a life changing event.

The simple and beautiful way the information is presented gave me a feeling of connection to the Power and Wisdom within each of us and to the purpose of life and how to live it. I truly feel empowered by the information. Martha King
Montgomery,AL

Gregg Braden wrote with a language of love that could only come from his heart. Not only is this book most pretty on the outside but also beautiful within. Knowing and practising these secrets brings one closer and closer to the Power within and without.

This book thoroughly confirmed my belief that our thoughts and attitudes influence and even change our world. It is beautifully explained, and illustrated for me how our preconceived ideas often block us from real perceptions of people and things as they are. To someone on a soul-searching journey to find the eternal answers of who we are, and why we are here, this book may be an AHA!moment revelation. Like all of Gregg Braden's books, it is written in an elegant, simple style, and every word resonates with truth.

Like all of Greg Braden's books - a true blessing in my life. What I enjoy most about Greg's books is the practicality of his spirituality and how he makes us practical in what spirituality has to offer anyone who wants its benefits in their lives. An enlightening read. indeed.

My life took a quantum leap after reading this book. Try yourself and see the results..