If I throw out a bailing hook from the boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God.
📖 E. Stanley Jones
This quote vividly illustrates the dynamic relationship between human effort and divine guidance. At first glance, it prompts one to consider the nature of prayer—not as a tool to bend divine will to our desires, but as a means of harmonizing our intentions with a higher purpose. The analogy of throwing out a hook from the boat and pulling oneself toward the shore underscores that effort alone isn't enough; it depends on whether one's actions are aligned with the natural flow of the universe or divine intention. When we pray, it is not about manipulating a omnipotent force to serve our personal agendas. Instead, it is about surrendering our personal will, listening, and receiving guidance to act in accordance with a greater good. This perspective shifts prayer from being a demand to a partnership—when our hearts are aligned with divine will, our efforts become more effective, less forced, more harmonious. It encourages humility and openness, fostering a sense of surrender rather than control. Such an outlook can transform our understanding of life's challenges and our approach to decision-making. It reminds us that in seeking alignment, we are participating in a collaborative process—an invitation to let go of ego-driven desires and open ourselves to authentic guidance. This mindset not only fosters spiritual growth but also leads to a more peaceful, purpose-driven existence, rooted in surrender rather than resistance.
