Shedding Light on the Mysterious Nature of Prayer
Exploring the crossroads of physical Quantum Entanglement and Spiritual Parallels Concerning Prayer
Fore Words:
From my earliest years, my parents instilled in me the importance and power of prayer. Being a trusting child, I wholeheartedly embraced their teachings, convinced that they would never lie to me. Consequently, I not only believed in the power of prayer, but I also diligently practiced it. I found myself engaging in prayer frequently, and my deep-rooted faith in its efficiency led me to explore the nature of prayer itself. I often pondered how prayer, an intangible force, manifests and interacts within the spiritual realm. As a youngster, I overheard adults discussing prayers that seemingly ricocheted off ceilings or drifted aimlessly in the cosmic expanse. These words took me to imaginary realms that existed solely in the domain of my youthful imaginations. However, as I matured, these notions resurfaced, prompting me to contemplate the path of my prayers. Does God immediately transmit them to their intended recipients, or does He preserve and dispatch them at His divine discretion? Since He is omni-present, do all things come together simultaneously? In essence, I hungered to comprehend the essence and whereabouts of prayers until they are answered. I even wrote and published a book about prayer. Lately, because of my wife’s battle with a deadly advanced case of an ovarian type cancer, coupled with the thousands of prayer and fasting responses we received from all over the world, my curiosity is on steroids. On steroids I say because of the absence of any cancer in her body at present. Daily the prayers were palpable. With a fervent desire to unravel this mystery, I embarked on a quest, delving into both scripture and scientific inquiry. The culmination of my findings has led me to a profound conclusion. In the following blog, I’ll endeavor to expand the insights I have gleaned, shedding light on the stunning nature of prayer.
Preface:
In a groundbreaking experiment, scientists divided a photon (a particle of light) into two halves and sent each half 7 miles down opposite directions of a fiber optic channel. To their amazement, with the use of a nuclear clock, any change or incident occurring in the one half of the experiment even though, fourteen miles away, simultaneously identically affected the other side, with no time lapse. This phenomenon is known as “quantum entanglement”, and it challenges our understanding of causality and communication.
Definitions:
Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum physics where two or more particles become correlated in such a way that the state of one particle is dependent on the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. This correlation persists even if the particles are separated by vast distances, and any change in the state of one particle instantaneously affects the state of the other particle, defying classical notions of cause and effect. This unity pulsates with spiritual teachings that emphasize the oneness of all things. Perhaps it is a scientific (seen) model of unity for further understanding spiritual teaching (unseen). (II Corinthians 4:18…while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal)
Body:
Quantum entanglement pushes the boundaries of our understanding of reality, suggesting hidden dimensions and connections between particles beyond our physical perception. It challenges the idea of a purely materialistic universe and invites us to explore the possibility of a deeper, perhaps even a further reality that connects all things.
Rather than viewing quantum entanglement as a threat to existing opinions and philosophies, shouldn’t we embrace it as an opportunity to expand our horizons and deepen our understanding of the interconnected nature of all things? It reminds us that there is much more to discover and explore, both scientifically and spiritually. It even provides an excellent analogy for the simultaneity of prayer and God’s response to it. So naturally as a graduate of theology, it is my observation that this concept aligns with spiritual teachings that emphasize the unity of all things. For example, in Matthew 25:40, Jesus proclaimed the interconnectedness of actions, stating that whatever is done to one person (the least of these) is ultimately done to Him. This spiritual concept of interconnectedness echoes the instantaneous influence between entangled particles in the scientific study.
It proves the implications of quantum entanglements extend beyond the physical realm and challenge “materialistic only” worldviews. For example, in 1 Corinthians 12:26, Paul acknowledges the interdependence (interconnectedness) and shared experiences within a spiritual community, stating that when one part suffers, every part suffers, and when one part is honored, every part rejoices. This verse aligns with the shared effects on entangled light particles, providing a tangible analogy for spiritual interconnectedness.
So, the question comes to my mind, could this entanglement offer us a glimpse into the fascinating interconnectedness of the created universe? When viewed through a spiritual lens, quantum entanglement resonates with teachings of unity and interconnectedness found in ancient biblical texts. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of quantum entanglement, we should embrace the wonders it presents and remain open to the profound implications it may have for embracing, even networking both science and spirituality.
The Spiritual Significance:
This dramatic entanglement, as we have seen, challenges the materialistic worldview, offering support for spiritual beliefs that exceed the physical realm. Instantaneous and shared effects of entangled particles provides a tangible analogy for this spiritual interconnectedness. For example…could it be that the Nobleman’s great faith and his son being healed in John 4:46-54 straightway without Jesus’ physical presence illustrates this spiritual simultaneous interconnectedness?
On a personal level, with prayers from over 15 countries as well as the United States, Gail and I remember how we felt the power of those prayers… and even then I wondered if the power was felt perhaps simultaneously even as those petitions were uttered.
There are several stories in the Bible that illustrate the concept of simultaneous prayers and answered prayers. Here are a few examples:
1. Acts 12:5-17: In this passage, the early Christian community is praying fervently for Peter, who is imprisoned by King Herod. While they are praying, an angel appears to Peter and miraculously sets him free. When Peter arrives at the house where the believers are gathered and he knocks at the door, a servant named Rhoda is so shocked and overjoyed that she forgets to open the door. Eventually, they let Peter in, and the believers witness the immediate answer to their prayers.
2. 2 Chronicles 20:1-30: In this story, King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah are facing a great army that is coming against them. In response, Jehoshaphat gathers the people and leads them in prayer. As they are praying, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon a prophet named Jahaziel, who delivers a message of assurance and victory. The next day, as the people march out to face the enemy, they find that God has already caused confusion among their enemies, and they are defeated without the people of Judah even having to fight.
3. Acts 16:25-34: In this account, Paul and Silas are imprisoned for their faith. Despite their difficult circumstances, they begin to pray and sing hymns to God. Suddenly, there is a great earthquake that shakes the prison, and all the doors open, and the prisoners' chains are unfastened. The jailer, witnessing this miraculous event, falls trembling before Paul and Silas and asks, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" This encounter leads the jailer and his household to believe in Jesus and be baptized.
Summing it up:
These stories demonstrate the power of prayer and the immediate, simultaneous rejoinder of God to the prayers of His people. They illustrate that God is not limited by time or distance when it comes to answering prayers, and according to His will He can bring about simultaneous and miraculous outcomes in response to the cries of His people.
The exploration of quantum entanglement has opened up a world of possibilities and implications for my understanding of prayer. Just as entangled particles can instantaneously affect each other, it seems prayers have a similar (entangled) interconnectedness in the spiritual realm. The concept of prayer goes beyond the limitations of time and space, allowing for a profound connection between the individual and the divine. It suggests that my prayers, like entangled particles, likely has a ripple effect that extends far beyond my immediate perception.
As I looked deeper, I realized that the essence and whereabouts of prayers until they are answered may not be confined to my limited understanding. Just as quantum entanglement challenges the notions of cause and effect, prayer challenges my understanding of how my intentions and desires manifest in the spiritual realm. It is a reminder that there is a vast, interconnected tapestry of existence beyond what we can perceive with our senses.
Just as entangled particles are mysteriously linked, our prayers have the potential to rise above time and space, linking with God and influencing the course of our lives. It is a reminder that there is more to our existence than meets the eye, and that the power of prayer is a testament to the remarkable mysteries that lie at the heart of creation.