“I don’t understand prayer. With some people I know, it sounds like they’re trying to use God as an Amazon products order form,” my friend, Amanda, said.

“I hear you,” I replied. “I think of it as a dialogue. I know that God and Goddess want me to blossom into my full destiny.”

“But I don’t get it. Why does God allow us to suffer so much?” Amanda continued.

That’s a big question.

Here are three insights.

1. Acknowledge that something has arrived as a problem that you did NOT want.

Some people try to put a smiley face on a problem. They call it a challenge. It works better for me to acknowledge that it really is a problem.

How about you? Do you feel irritated about putting the “nice” label of “challenge” upon something that bothers you?

2. Make the shift from wanting something just for you to seeing a different kind of opportunity.

Let’s go back to Amanda’s comment about wanting Deity to merely give us what we want.

Sometimes, what we get is something we would NOT have asked for. Migraine headaches? No! I don’t want that.

But I get something else. I have compassion for anyone facing health troubles.

Sometimes, we have experiences that feel like suffering, but they give us opportunities …
– to expand our understanding, our compassion, our empathy.
– to perhaps, serve and support others who experience the suffering we have endured.

Here’s another thought. What do we want? To feel “alive!” For many of us, feeling connected and having a purpose can provide a truly good feeling. For example, when I did volunteer work at The Peninsula Humane Society, I felt part of a team that was helping animals. I could make a difference. For the first few months, I felt on purpose.

Have you experienced something difficult, and later you could support someone facing something similar?

3. Ask Goddess for the Shift and the Strength.

Here’s a prayer you can use.

Goddess,
Bless me to shift out of self-focus.
Guide me to know that my suffering can serve
To help me grow in strength, compassion, and empathy.
Empower me on my path.
So Mote It Be.

May these insights support your path.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater