Praying for us Whole Heartedly（一心に願え）

The Tenchi Kakitsuke (Divine Reminder) is fascinating as it contains a powerful message about God's love and desire for all of us.  It is the cornerstone teaching of our faith.  

This evening (at our monthly study group session), the Reverend Reiko Yano shared with us another interpretation of one aspect of the Tenchi Kakitsuke: Tenchi Kane no Kami isshin ni negae (天地金乃神一心に願え).  What she had to share almost brought me to tears.  It shattered a wall that was covering my heart and I felt as if light was being let into my heart. 

For years, I have recited the Tenchi Kakitsuke with my understanding of it.  My understanding was molded by so many ministers who have showered me with their love; books that I have read; and the actions of ministers and believers.  I must be honest that when the new translation of it came out, I was and still am not thrilled with the translation.  But hey, that is just me.  So, I have carried my understanding of it until this day, when Rev. Yano shook the foundation of my faith.  

When she shared her interpretation of the power and beauty of that one line--Tenchi Kane no Kami isshin ni negate--I was struck.  I held back my tears.  What she shared validated a core belief I have in Konkōkyō: Love is the foundation of faith.  

"SO WHAT IS IT ALREADY????"  

Ok, ok.  I hear y'all.  Reiko Sensei said, 

"That one line is very powerful, because Kami Sama is praying for us whole heartedly."

As simple as that translation may be, it struck my core.  I have always believed that God desperately wants a relationship with all of us.  But . . . .

• we make excuses not to pray,
• people turn to logic to figure out the favors of God,
• people constantly do what they can to diminish God's almighty power,

And even amongst all of that, God still prays for us.

I remember once the Reverend Takao Kishii taught that it is almost silly to think that Kami Sama would pray for humanity, when it is we who should be praying to Parent God.  So why then would a god who is supposed to be almighty pray for us?  Rev. Kishii continued, "Kami Sama is not praying for us though.  Kami Sama is praying to us."  

Although the words "to" and "for" are semantical, both ministers have a point.  

• God prays to us to let us know S/He loves us. (relationship)
• God prays to us to let us know, "ummm, I don't think so." (warning)
• God prays to us to awaken us the ikigami (living deity) with us. (spirituality)

However, the fact of the matter is what other god in the universe is praying for his/her beloved children.  The act of prayer is an act of selfless love. 

As each of us possesses a wake-mitama [soul], we are linked to God through it.  Through our souls, God talks to us.  Awakens us.  Warns us.  Inspires us.  Prays for us.  God has a desire for each and every one of us.  As the late Reverend Norikazu Yukawa (San Diego) taught, "God wants us to live our lives to the fullest."  God wants us all to be happy.  

• God wants so badly to have a relationship with us. 
• God wants so badly for us to be receivers of favor and not just blessings.
• God wants so badly for us to grow in faith.

I have been missing the mark since January of this year.  Recently, I have been listening to my soul speak to me, and slowly happiness has been returning into my life.  I have been acknowledging pain, shame, joy, anger, etc. and offering it to my God.  And when those words came out of Rev. Yano's mouth, she shattered that wall that was covering my heart.  I feel the light. 

"Kami Sama is praying for us whole heartedly."