There were over 3500 people from all major religions represented at the National Prayer Breakfast and they all have their own translations of the Golden Rule:
·         Christianity: Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.
·         Judaism: What is hateful to you; do not to your fellow man.
·         Islam: No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.
·         Buddhism: Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.
·         Hinduism: This is the sum of duty: do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you.
 

This was a powerful message in which most agreed – except when it came to the topic of the terrorist group ISIS.  The King of Jordan was to be a speaker with President Obama at Thursday’s National Prayer Breakfast.  Unfortunately, King Abdullah wasn’t able to attend the breakfast because one of Jordan’s military heroes had been burned alive by ISIS and the King felt that it was necessary for him to be back in Jordan to assess the situation.
 
None of us, as average citizens, can imagine what King Abdullah was feeling at that moment. We watched the news events unfold over the next few days as executions and military air strikes took place.  The peoples of the world have differences in how they perceive the actions of ISIS and Jordan and they are voicing their opinions in the news, the streets, the markets, and in their homes.
 
President Obama was criticized in the news for his message at the National Prayer Breakfast. I and many other attendees who were at the breakfast felt as if the news reporters had somehow heard a different message. This reminded me that we can all have our own opinions about political situations and I am not here to judge anyone.  What I would like to suggest is that we can begin to practice the spirit of the Golden Rule and help to bring peace to the world by using the power of prayer.
 
Regardless of your religious tradition, the power of prayer does work.  It enables all of us to put our attention on what we want as peace and healing, and less attention on what we don’t want as fear, killing, injustice and war.  Here’s what you can do in just a few minutes a day to help:
 
1.      Describe the world that you want to live in. For example, “I want to live in a peaceful world that is filled with harmony and a mutual appreciation for every culture, tradition, and person.  I want everyone to be peaceful and friendly towards each other and to work towards the success and freedom of all.”
 
2.      Write these descriptions down each day with gratitude as though they are already realized. “I am so grateful that I now live in a peaceful world that is filled with harmony and a mutual appreciation for every culture, tradition, and person.  I now see wonderful proof that all of us are acting in friendly ways towards each other and we are happy that we all work together towards the success and freedom for all.”
 
3.      Read your gratitude statements out loud with emotion.  This will help you to keep them at the forefront of your thoughts and help you to recognize opportunities and circumstances that make your statements true.
 
4.      Imagine what it will look and feel like to live in the world that you described. As you see it in your mind’s eye, you can begin to believe that it is possible and notice more situations that support your vision.
 
5.      Listen to your inner voice, your intuition, to see if there is anything more that you can do to help usher in this loving and peaceful world.
 
In situations of world conflict, many of us can’t imagine the pressure and pain that the world leaders and foreign citizens go through on a daily basis. Many of us see the news reports of bombings and vicious acts in neighborhoods across the world and aren’t able to conceive that happening in our own communities. It is happening to our world neighbors and our prayers can help them more than we might think. We can all do our part to pray that everyone across the globe experience peace and harmony with all of their needs met. Our prayers will have an effect.
 
As emphasized by the Golden Rule, we can love our neighbors as ourselves.  Begin today to love them through your prayers and transform the world.