Book SummarySecrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer, by Gregg Braden

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer

The concept involves harnessing the Lost Mode of Prayer to establish a profound bond with the Divine.

This section of the text reveals the existence of a time-honored prayer technique that continues to be practiced within certain secluded traditions.

Prayer has long been revered as a powerful connection among people, the divine, and the natural world.

The author highlights the importance of spiritual entreaties among diverse ancient cultures, from Native American tribes in the Southwest to monks in Tibet. In these early societies, prayer was viewed as something that transcended a simple request or desire. This method facilitates a connection to a universal force, a fundamental quality that links everyone to the vast universe and to a sacred entity commonly known as "God." This source of power is deemed the wellspring of all creation and governs the laws of nature.

Prayer was perceived as a method for molding the fundamental nature of reality.

Braden elucidates that our forebears held the conviction that this potent energy could be swayed by human intention. They regarded prayer as a distinctive way to interact with the universe, influence our surroundings, and shape our individual experiences. Prayer is often viewed as a potent instrument capable of shaping our personal circumstances as well as the world around us. This conviction arose from a profound comprehension of how everything is interconnected. They regarded the universe as a conscious and dynamic entity, attuned to our appeals as well as our emotional and mental states.

Context

• The concept of a universal energy field, such as the "chi" in Chinese philosophy or "prana" in Indian traditions, supports the idea that human intention can interact with and influence these energies, thereby affecting reality.
• The belief in prayer's power suggests a worldview where consciousness and matter are interconnected, challenging the materialist perspective that separates mind and physical reality.
• The concept of interconnectedness is central to many philosophical traditions, such as Taoism and Stoicism, which emphasize the unity of all things and the impact of individual actions on the whole.
• The belief in a responsive universe can also be seen as a psychological mechanism that provides individuals with a sense of control and hope, influencing their mental and emotional well-being.

Detailed instructions on tapping into the intrinsic power of prayer have been meticulously preserved in ancient texts.

Braden emphasizes the enduring nature of age-old traditions, sacred sites, and venerable texts that preserve the understanding of this previously hidden method of prayer. Gregg Braden suggests that these ancient traces act as a roadmap, providing guidance akin to an instruction manual, for tapping into this all-encompassing energy in an effective manner. He mentions the circular stone structures that were gathering places for Native Americans to engage in communal sacred rituals within the region known as the American Southwest. He notes that the etched images inside these subterranean chambers depict clouds heavy with rain above bountiful fields of maize, symbolizing the precise components they desired to manifest. They engaged deeply in prayer, picturing their desires as though they were already granted.

Other Perspectives

• Ancient texts are often subject to interpretation, and what is considered a "meticulous" preservation may actually be a series of...

Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer Summary Converting pain into insightful understanding.

Exploring our challenges can promote personal growth and assist us in reaching our highest potential.

Suffering and discomfort are inherent elements of life, yet they can serve as catalysts for insights that foster personal growth.

Braden acknowledges that pain and suffering are universal experiences, a natural part of life. However, he argues that such challenging experiences can be transformed into insights that nurture personal growth.

Ancient cultures have often viewed pain as a vital teacher that reveals our deepest fears and insecurities.

He delves into ancient wisdom that views suffering not as punitive measures but as opportunities for spiritual awakening. Difficult situations frequently push us to confront aspects of our personality that we usually avoid. This process of confronting our pain, while difficult, can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.

Context

• Pain is often viewed as a catalyst for self-reflection, prompting individuals to explore their inner world and confront unresolved emotional issues.
• Difficult situations can create cognitive dissonance, where one's beliefs and actions are in conflict, prompting...

Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer Summary The influence of bestowing blessings

This section of the text explores how invoking blessings can be a powerful tool to lessen suffering and encourage healing, illuminating the use of this time-honored technique.

The act of giving blessings allows us to acknowledge and release our suffering without casting judgment.

Braden underscores the significance of incorporating blessings into the overlooked approach to prayer. It's a way to intentionally shift our emotional state and create the optimal conditions for healing and transformation. He emphasizes that to bless is not to condone or support harmful actions, but instead to acknowledge events that have occurred without bias.

Bestowing a benediction momentarily interrupts negative emotions, permitting the replacement of such feelings with those that validate our being.

He explains that by bestowing blessings upon people, events, and even the emotions that have caused us pain, we enable them to move through our existence with ease, thereby ensuring they do not become trapped within us. Bestowing blessings momentarily halts our adverse emotions, thereby creating a path for stronger, restorative emotions to surface.

Context

• A benediction is a...

Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer Summary The Transformative Impact of Aesthetic Appeal.

This part emphasizes the significance of acknowledging beauty's transformative power on our outlook and existence.

The encounter with beauty universally has the power to alter our awareness and reshape the environment we live in.

In his investigation, Braden examines the deep impact our lives receive from beauty. He delves into historical spells that are characterized by their allure, referencing stories like celestial entities being charmed by earthly women and Delilah's seduction of Samson in biblical accounts. He underscores the profound influence of beauty, capable of stirring entities considered immovable.

Beauty goes beyond simple visual appeal, touching the core of our being, engaging our intellect, and providing sustenance for our spirits.

Braden delves deeper, suggesting that the true nature of beauty goes beyond superficial evaluations based on external looks. True beauty, in his view, harmonizes with our feelings, thoughts, and soul. The writer supports his argument by referencing Albert Einstein's respect for the universe's orderly and harmonious character, which is also reflected in the compositions of Mozart.

Context

• The concept of harmony...

Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer Summary Developing Personal Prayer Practices

The book provides instructions for establishing personal prayer practices based on the essential aspects of neglected prayer traditions. The book delves into the concept of crafting personalized prayers that align with our unique desires and intentions.

Genuine expression in prayer is conveyed through emotions, not just spoken words.

In his conversation with a Tibetan monastery's head, Braden underscores the importance of authentic feelings in the execution of devotional supplications. The leader of the monastery guided Braden to the realization that contemporary prayer methods place too much importance on verbal expression, as he explored the characteristics of Western prayer techniques. He argues that the feelings stirred by conventional prayers carry greater importance than the words themselves.

The words of traditional prayers are designed to evoke specific emotional states and feelings

Gregg Braden suggests that reciting traditional prayers like the 23rd Psalm and the Lord's Prayer is deliberately structured to provoke specific emotional responses in the individuals who recite them. He advises people to be acutely aware of the emotions that these prayers...

Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer Summary Bridging ancient prayer techniques with contemporary scientific understanding and awareness.

The book integrates time-honored knowledge with contemporary scientific insights, bringing the narrative to a comprehensive conclusion. The book delves into the scientific underpinnings of how emotion-driven prayers and our awareness influence the world we experience.

Modern science recognizes a pervasive energy matrix that interconnects every aspect of the cosmos.

Braden draws parallels between time-honored rituals, often referred to as the forgotten approach to prayer, and modern scientific discoveries, especially those that recognize the concept widely termed as the "Divine Matrix" or the "Universal Consciousness." He explains that physics recognizes a fundamental force that permeates all of existence, not as a concept of faith but as an essential aspect of the universe, acting as a connector linking all components of the cosmos.

Our perceptions, beliefs, and emotions are believed to shape and reflect the fundamental qualities of this field.

He argues that modern scientific research supports the age-old belief that our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs are actively reflected in and have an impact on the universal field. Braden presents the case that a scientific...