by Katinka Soetens

The power of prayer

How do we make prayer an offering as Priestesses of Love?

Apologies, this priestess archetype activation tip is a bit late, as I have been away on a priestess-teaching trip that has taken me back to back, to three different wonderful women’s circles, while travelling over five different countries, in the space of ten days.

It was really great to re-meet with dear friends, to work deeply in the ways of sacred sexuality with women called to Goddess Rhiannon, and to appreciate what a blessing it is to have good organisers and committed sisters in many countries, without whom, none of it would be possible to manifest: my prayer of gratitude goes out to you all.

Which brings me to the topic of this weeks Priestess Activation tip: what is the power of prayer and how do we make prayer an offering, rather than a request, a bargain, or a wish list to some higher power?

In the last month, I realised that I’ve neglected my prayer practice as offering. Prayer comes from ones devotion and is really a way for me to bring my consciousness to my connection to Rhiannon’s presence, and sharing with Her whatever is in my heart, or mind, or body.

Over this week’s travel time I’ve had opportunity to refocus on my own prayer practice, and what this means for me in relation to my devotional path.

Since the near fatal accident of my son last September, it has been so humbling to really witness the power of prayer in action, and to realise that through this practice, we are never really alone.

It is astounding how it created a Golden Energetic Field of Love, healing, intention and support, that doubtlessly contributed to my son’s ‘miraculous recovery’, and which we were all so grateful to be the held by in those difficult days.

In the initial shocking uncertainty, I actually couldn’t find my centre, couldn’t pray or call in Goddess, and went into practical-resolution ‘do mode’ of what was of immediate urgency.

In those moments the only thing I could do, was send out a call for prayer and healing to be held by others.

The resulting wave of response and support was mind-blowing. A great healing prayer from every spiritual path and religion, coming to us from around the world.

I will never forget how amazing it was to be able to surrender into being held from afar. Such a teaching of how the Power of Prayer can be of real support to others, which I experienced until I could find my own way back to my connection with Goddess, and open the personal communication channel with Spirit, and Her specifically, for myself again.

Over the following days and weeks, as we rotated around vigils in ICU  and hospital visits on the ward, I thought about what the difference is between asking for something in prayer for our self or for others, and holding a very clear vision of an outcome within the energy of prayer as an offering, with ultimately giving the outcome over to Goddess/God.

How do we ask for things, for ourselves and for others, in our prayers? Are we co-creators of reality? Or are we but small parts of a much bigger picture and not involved in any possible outcome of circumstance?

TIP: Make Prayer our Offering.

Here’s how to make prayer more of an offering from the Priestess of Love Archetype within:

•  In your own way, bring your focus on Divine Presence.
• Expressing Thanks: When we’re stressed or in trauma, t is hard to feel grateful. Prayer actually gives us a moment to expand out of the intensity of what is happening, and enter into the spaciousness of the miraculous of what is possible. Instead of starting with requests, begin your prayer by being thankful for the miracle already here, or the best outcome as if it already is so, feeling your gratitude for the gifts and blessings of Goddess in this moment. Give specific examples of things you are grateful for.
• Adoration: Allow your Priestess archetype to be in, or enter into, ecstatic praise and adoration of the Presence of Goddess or God. Feel Their presence always with you and with those for whom you pray. Feel Their Radiance bathing you, and filling your being. Notice Their ‘light’ within you, as well as holding you, and let this Divine Radiance stream to you and through you, until you see/feel yourself held, filled and surrounded by Her/Their love, peace and power.
•  Offering: Offer this energy, this power, this love-light, this healing from the Divine Source within you, up to the Deity of your heart for the purpose of your prayer, or send it directly up to the place, person, situation or outcome you are praying for.
•  Acknowledging Blessings: Reflect on the good things in your life and acknowledge that they are gifts from Goddess as you close your prayer-offering.
•  Lastly, Remember: Prayer is Not a Bargain
  Recognise that prayer is not a means to get what you want from the Divine but an opportunity to connect with Goddess and experience her presence.

Remember that we are not alone, but in constant connection and that together, we can raise a great prayer for peace, love, healing, beauty and freedom in the world.

Do check out the website for the waiting list for the Priestess of Rhiannon Year 1, starting again this autumn. The registration portal will open at Beltane when full details will also be revealed.

This training will give you many practices to enhance your life and connection to Goddess Rhiannon, as well as to ground in the sacredness of your sexuality and to open you to walk the Path of Love-in-Action.

The registration portal will open at Beltane when full details will also be revealed.