Discovering Two Way Prayer and Transformative Moments

I hope to accomplish two things with this blog/column:

• First, I would like to share some more about the power of two way prayer, and how it might help you. 

  
  

• Second, I hope to get more people to come up during our Sunday Experiences and share transformative spiritual moments in their lives. It would be interesting if folks could also share about what Spiritual Life Center has meant to them. I think it is great to have more people come up and be part of our Sunday worship services at SLC.

As I shared at the community meeting on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, I expect that when a minister picks up his or her toothbrush they will tell you about how it was such a "spiritual experience." But when everyday people share their spiritual experiences, it really can pack a punch beyond the clergy lecturing you. Quite frankly, I often get more out of reading about near-death and out-of-body experiences written by auto mechanics and business executives than I do by reading similar happenings experienced by priests, ministers, or gurus.

So let's get started:

Two way prayer is very simple. Get a notebook and write a letter to God, your Higher Power, or Higher Self. Then take a deep breath and center yourself. Pick up your pen or pencil again and start writing what you believe God, your Higher Power or Higher Self, would have you hear.

Two caveats I would add to this are as follows: First, I would check out these letters and compare them to sacred Scriptures. I would also suggest that you be working with a trusted spiritual advisor. Share this writing with this spiritual mentor.

Second, I would suggest that our prayers always be in the form of "This or something better." And if it is not this, then we know that it is because something better is coming our way.

I believe that the still, small voice inside of you very much wants to communicate with you, and it will do so if you give this effort half a chance. Remember that almost all of the world's great spiritual paths contain — and/or are based on — some channeled writing.

Is it really God talking to you, or is it some higher part of your psyche communicating with you? Well, all I know for sure is that through two way prayer I have been able to receive far better guidance than my normal every day ego brings me.

But does two way prayer really align with Unity teachings? Well, Myrtle Fillmore, the co-founder of the Unity movement, was known to put two chairs facing each other. Then she would put a picture of Jesus in one of the chairs, and she would have a chat with the picture in the chair. Was this just a talisman or did Myrtle Fillmore really believe she was talking to Jesus? I don't know the answer to that one. But what I can tell you is that the wisdom and love that flowed from Myrtle Fillmore is something I have honestly tried to tie into, particularly when the chips are down.

I think Joella Aragon did such a wonderful job talking about two way prayer during her transformative moment during the Sunday, December 7th, SLC services, that I wanted to share her comments here:

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Joella said the following:

About three weeks ago, Reverend Rick spoke to us about Two Way Prayer. I’ve been attending Spiritual Life Center for twenty-five years and had never heard about it before. While I sat in the back and listened, I felt my interest growing. I found the idea of writing to my higher power and then my higher power responding, intriguing.  

Traditional prayer, one way prayer, started for me when I was a little Catholic girl, praying by my bed next to my mother. By the time I was sixteen, I had given up on prayer. I stopped going to church. I stopped praying.   

I remember screaming at my mother, “You can’t force me to go to church!” (I was one of those teenagers!) 

She said in return, “Oh! Yes you will! Maybe not now, but you will one day.”  

I started praying again in my early 40’s, but often felt like a fraud for focusing on my own needs. I believed I was begging God for more love in my life, better health, a new job, and deeper friendships. I don’t like begging. I hate feeling like a fraud. So, I stopped praying, again. 

Even with gratitude and tremendous personal growth, I still felt a quiet longing and a persistent void.  

Three weeks ago, I felt ready for deeper connection to Spirit. I had just completed 7 weeks of Faith in Action and Reverend Rick complemented that experience by talking about Two Way Prayer. 

I can sometimes be a bit of a doubter, so I went home and researched online resources for how to go about Two Way Prayer. I Googled and researched on YouTube late into the day. By the time it was dark outside, I cut loose from caution and decided to try Two Way Prayer myself by writing my prayers and seeking responses from my Higher Power. 

I began typing sincere questions from me to Spirit. I expressed my heartfelt need for guidance with my brother, my family, my friends. 

Then, I paused to listen quietly for inspiration. I addressed Spirit with endearment, listened for an inner response without judgment, and wrote down whatever emerged. I continued to type Spirit’s response to my prayer without editing, without question. I simply let it flow. 

When I was finished reading the response from God that poured out of me, I was amazed by the guidance I received. I did the same thing the following day, and the next, and the next. I’ve now written to my Higher Power for twenty-one days. I listen for the response and start typing. Each time I write, the response from Spirit touches me at a deep spiritual level.  

What used to feel like begging, is now a meaningful reality in my spiritual life, a genuine conversation with the Divine. I value my vulnerability to pray and will continue.

Thank you Reverend Rick for bringing Two Way Prayer into my life. I am enriched because of it.  

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This is Rev. Rick again:

If you would like to share a transformative moment during Sunday SLC services, please let me know. 

Many blessings,

Rev. Rick