Chapter 3 - Collective Prayer

Chapter 3 - COLLECTIVE PRAYER

As we advanced, I saw from my stretcher the pleasant surroundings which slowly unfolded to my view. Clarence, leaning on a staff made of some luminous substance, stopped before a heavy gate built into a great wall which was covered with a flowery wine. He touched a certain spot in the wall, the gate opened wide, and we entered in a silent procession.

A warm glow bathed everything there. The graceful play of lights in the distance reminded me of a beautiful sunset in springtime. As we

proceeded, I saw before me charming buildings and beautiful gardens. At a sign from Clarence my stretcher was laid down and in front of us there stood an entrance to a great white building similar to an earthly hospital. Two

young men in white tunics ran eagerly to my stretcher, moved me into an emergency bed, and carried me in. Before he left, I heard Clarence say: “Take him to the pavilion to the right. I am expected elsewhere now, but I will come to see him in the morning.” I gave that generous old man a parting smile of gratitude as I was taken away to a large, pleasant, richly furnished room and laid on a comfortable bed.

My heart was overflowing with gratitude towards my kind attendants. I tried to address them but only managed to ask: “Friends, I beg you, what is this new world I find myself in? From what star does this bright invigorating

light emanate?” One of them laid a tender hand on my forehead as if I were an old friend, and explained: “We are located in the spiritual spheres close to the Earth, and the Sun that is shining on us at this moment is the same one

that warmed you on Earth. However, our visual perception is far keener here. We can see that the star the Lord lighted to guide our activities is far more beautiful than we ever realized while on Earth. Our Sun is a divine source of

life which has its light’s source in the Creator of All Things.”

I felt a profound sense of veneration and awe as I gazed at the soft light streaming through my window. I realized that on Earth I had never

looked up at the Sun and raised my thoughts to the One, in His infinite mercy, had given it to us to shine on our journey. I was like a blind man who, after living so long in darkness, is blessed with the ability to see the splendor of nature.

Just then they brought me some stimulating broth and a glass of cool water, refreshing water. The water seemed infused with some divine fluid, for just a little of it quickly produced a reviving effect. The food, whether a

soothing nourishment or extraordinary medicine, revived me beyond my expectations; new energies pervade my entire being and profound emotions stirred in the depths of my spirit. I ate, unaware of the experience which was soon to follow.

I had scarcely finished when heavenly music soft waves of sound rising to higher spheres floated into my room. That wonderful melody went straight to my heart. I looked to my attendant for some explanation, and he

said: “This is the eventide service of the Astral City. Every department of this colony of service, dedicated to Christ, is attuned with the prayers at the Government House. Now stay here in peace. I will return as soon as the service is over.” As he prepared to leave, I was suddenly filled with anxiety. “May I go with you?” I pleaded. “You are still weak,” he explained, “but if you feel that you can.

That music had filled me with renewed energies, yet I was barely able to rise from my bed. Aided by my attendant and with faltering steps I reached the enormous hall where a great assembly was praying in deep, silent concentration. The delicate garlands of flowers which hung from a brilliantly lit dome seemed to form a symbol of higher spirituality. I could

 hardly contain my feelings of overwhelming surprise. No one seemed to notice my presence they all looked as if they were waiting for something. I had to work to hold back all of the questions forming in my mind. I quickly noticed in the background an intensely bright light reflected on a giant screen. By some process of advanced television, a marvelous temple appeared on the screen a moment later. In it was the image of a venerable old man, dressed in white, sitting in prayer. Around his head shone a halo of brilliant light. Slightly below him, seventy-two figures accompanied him in silent prayer. I was surprised to see that Clarence was among the.

In Spiritist terminology, fluid and fluids designate a substance of magnetic nature

that can be manipulated by both spiritual beings and man on Earth.

 

I was unable to restrain my curiosity. I pulled at my attendant’s arm, and he responded, whispering so softly his words resembled the murmuring of a light breeze: “Keep quiet. All the residences and institutions of the Astral

City are praying, with the Governor through long distance projection of sound and light. Let us praise the invisible Heart of Heaven.” He had scarcely finished speaking when the seventy-two figures began singing a sweet and exquisitely beautiful hymn. As I looked at Clarence, his countenance seemed to shine with an intense high light. The celestial voices rose in melodious cadences, in a most beautiful hymn of gratitude. Mysterious vibrations of peace and joy floated in the atmosphere, and as the silvery notes died away, a wonderful heart, blue with golden rays, became visible above us in the same distance. Soft music began, seeming to arise perhaps from distant spheres, and suddenly we were showered with beautiful flue flowers.

Although I could easily seem them, I could not grasp those tiny fCollewers with my hands. On touching our foreheads they melted away, and at one touch of their fluidical petals I felt an extraordinary surge of energy, as if some soothing balm had been applied to my heart.

As soon as the impressive service was over I returned to the chamber, tenderly aided by my assistant. I was no longer the ailing patient of a few hours before. The first collective prayer I had attended at the Astral City had worked a radical change in me. An unexpected peace filled my soul for the first time in many years of suffering, and my heart, so long empty, was once again filled with hope.

Note by the spiritual author: “A symbolic image created by the mental vibrations of the Colony.”

From the book The Astral City "Nosso Lar" - Chapter III - Collective Prayer