Neville Goddard on Isaiah 51:11

Executive Summary

In Neville Goddard's teaching, Isaiah 51:11 is not a literal prophecy but a psychological directive for successful prayer. The verse describes the required inner state for impressing consciousness: one must approach it not with longing or sorrow, but with the joy and gladness that accompanies the fulfillment of a desire. This joyful assumption is the only offering that consciousness accepts.

Key Concepts

• The Lord is Consciousness: The scripture's reference to 'the Lord' is interpreted as one's own consciousness.
• Coming with Singing: This phrase symbolizes the act of approaching your consciousness in a specific state of mind.
• The Feeling of Joy: The 'singing', 'everlasting joy', and 'gladness' described in the verse represent the feeling of the wish fulfilled.
• The Acceptable Gift: A 'joyful heart', which is the state of the wish fulfilled, is the only acceptable gift or state to bring to consciousness in prayer.
• Unacceptable States: All states of mind other than the feeling of the wish fulfilled are considered unacceptable for the purpose of prayer.

Detailed Explanation

Neville Goddard explains that the scripture, "Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion," is a metaphor for the correct way to pray. The act of 'coming before the Lord' is not an external pilgrimage but an internal turning toward one's own consciousness.

The verse specifies the emotional state required for this inner act. To 'come with singing' and have 'everlasting joy' upon one's head is to embody the feeling that your desire has already been realized. This state of gladness, where sorrow and mourning have fled, is the psychological posture of faith.

This joyful feeling is described as the 'only acceptable gift' one can bring to consciousness. Prayer is not supplication but the assumption of the wish fulfilled. By assuming this joyful state, you present your consciousness with the only offering it will accept, thereby ensuring your desire is impressed and brought into your experience.

Important Quotes

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head. They shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

— Remain Faithful To Your Idea

The only acceptable gift is a joyful heart. Come with singing and praise. That is the way to come before the Lord -- your own consciousness.

— Remain Faithful To Your Idea

Assume the feeling of your wish fulfilled, and you have brought the only acceptable gift.

— Remain Faithful To Your Idea

Related Concepts

• Law of Assumption: This interpretation is a direct application of the Law of Assumption. One must assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled to make it a reality.
• Consciousness: The teaching identifies 'the Lord' as your own consciousness, which is the creative power you approach in prayer.
• Prayer: The verse is presented as a guide to effective prayer, defining it as the act of entering a joyful state of fulfillment rather than one of supplication.

Common Misunderstandings

A common misunderstanding would be to interpret this verse literally, as a physical journey. Neville's teaching clarifies that it is a psychological instruction for an inner act.

Another error would be to approach prayer (consciousness) with feelings of lack, sorrow, or mourning. The source is explicit that the only acceptable state is a 'joyful heart'—the feeling of the wish already being a fact.

Practical Applications

To apply this teaching, you must consciously shift your state of mind during prayer. Instead of focusing on your problem or the absence of your desire, you must assume the feeling that you already have what you want. Cultivate the emotions of joy and gladness associated with fulfillment. This feeling is the 'gift' you present to your consciousness to make your desire a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Neville's interpretation of Isaiah 51:11, who is 'the Lord'?

According to the source material, 'the Lord' is your own consciousness.

What is the 'acceptable gift' one must bring to the Lord?

The only acceptable gift is a joyful heart, which is the state of mind achieved by assuming the feeling of your wish fulfilled.

What does it mean to 'come with singing'?

It means to approach your consciousness in a state of praise and joy, embodying the feeling that your desire is already an accomplished fact.