The Isaiah Effect from spiritual researcher Gregg Braden is an in-depth look at prayer as described by the Essenes, a mysterious group of people who hoarded away long-lost knowledge in caves so that it would not be forgotten. One such discovered cache came to be known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. From these scrolls, Braden illuminates the elements needed for prayer to be successful, and he also shows how prayer can affect societal change,  probable outcomes, and even prophecy when done en masse.

The message that reiterates throughout this book centers on peace. It is peace that Braden interprets as Isaiah’s mystical “key” which he terms “the mountain” in his scroll, claiming that all generations have access to it. This divine source is what we can use to redirect events in any probable future and divert one of seeming chaos to one of calm – by finding peace. Braden continues to find messages regarding this peace passed on by many spiritual masters.

“Peace is of the greatest importance in our world today,” he continued. “In the absence of peace, we lose what we have gained. In the presence of peace, all things are possible: love, compassion, and forgiveness. Peace is the source of all things. I would ask the people of the world to find peace in themselves, so that their peace may be mirrored in the world.”

In the mode of prayer, Braden identifies three main elements that hold weight in effectiveness: feeling, thought, and emotions. The holy trinity in manifestation. When all three are aligned, this is when we can bring the reality we desire into existence. But how do we get them into alignment? Braden discovers the answer in texts that predate our own history from the Essenes: peace.

“First shall the Son of Man seek peace within his own body; for his body is as a mountain pond that reflects the sun when it is still and clear. When it is full of mud and stones it reflects nothing.

Then shall the Son of Man seek peace within his own thoughts … There is no greater power in heaven and earth that the thought of the Son of Man. Though unseen by the eyes of the body, yet each thought has mighty strength, even such strength can shake the heavens.

Then shall the Son of Man seek peace with his own feelings. We call on the Angel of love to enter our feelings, that they may be purified. And all that was before impatience and discord will turn into harmony and peace.”

What’s truly fascinating about this book are the real-world mentions on how the conduction of mass prayer seemed to change the course of what the world saw as inevitable. There were recorded events where people got together in large groups to pray, and an impossible change occurred. He also describes the “Maharishi Effect” from a 1972 study that showed populations with 1% of people who prayed had drastically less crime. As I thought about this more, my mind veered to The Cokeville Miracle. This was a true story in which children were held hostage at a school. The entire town began to pray, as well as the hostages. They prayed ferociously. What happened after should have been impossible, as explained by the quite perplexed investigators.

I hope you get to enjoy The Isaiah Effect as much as I did. Highly suggested.