I sometimes wonder why our religion does not spread rapidly as God has promised in the Tip of the Writing Brush. Recently I found a verse in the Osashizu which I found interesting. It stated that God helps weed and fertilize, making the harvesting of  timber (spirited members) easier. But before God can help us, we need to plant the seeds. What does this mean?

In the Tip of the Writing Brush is the following verse:

This Service (prayer), where do you think they will come from

From the high places they will come spiritedly   2-4

 I believe it is saying that God brings  people to us by our sincere prayer. This is planting the seeds.  God then  helps them sweep evil (arrogance, greed, and self love) from their minds as requested by our special prayer (joyous service). This is the process of weeding.

After the weeding where the mind is pure, God’s teachings  are given, especially the teaching that mankind was created to live the joyous life. This is called fertilizing the mind. When the individual understands this “Origin”, he or she becomes spirited and happy (salvation).

In summary, our prayer is the impetus that begins the path to a joyous life. We need to plant the seeds before God can help us. This is why prayer is so important for the salvation of the world.
Note: our prayer is only the joyous service (not the twelve songs)

Heaven’s Truth Church/Tenrikyo Church