The Power of Intentionality: Moving from the Universe to God in My Spiritual and Religious Practices

Not much has changed about my beliefs as I’ve transitioned from a more spiritual perspective to embracing religion. At the core, I still hold onto the idea that the universe is orchestrating things in a divine way, shaping my life in ways I could never imagine or predict. The flow of events, the connections, the opportunities that come my way, I believe it all unfolds for a greater purpose that I can’t fully comprehend.
But what’s shifted for me is the way I call on and interact with that divine force. In my spiritual practice, I used to refer to this guiding energy simply as "the universe." It was a broad, encompassing term that felt expansive and open. There was comfort in the simplicity of this idea, in the understanding that everything was flowing in my direction, even if I couldn’t always see the bigger picture.
However, as I’ve moved towards a more religious understanding, I’ve found that the shift from referring to this divine force as "the universe" to calling it "God" has had a powerful impact on the way I engage in my spiritual practices, particularly in prayer. When I pray now, it feels like I’m speaking directly to something specific. Instead of just requesting manifestations from the universe, I’m speaking to a personal, intentional presence that I believe is actively working in my life.
This change is more than just a shift in terminology; it’s a shift in perspective. The words we use carry immense weight, and by switching from "universe" to "God," there’s a new sense of clarity and specificity in my requests. Manifestation, at its core, has always required one to be specific and to put effort into making something happen — none of it is passive. It's about directing your energy toward a clear goal and putting in the work to bring it to fruition. The same is true for prayer. It's not a magic lamp we send requests to. Prayer requires intention and clarity, just as manifestation does.

What makes prayer different is that it also creates space to express gratitude, share news (good or bad), and connect with a higher power in a more personal way. It’s a dialogue, not just a request. Prayer gives room for reflection, for thanksgiving, and for sharing everything that’s on our hearts. Manifestation is a way of calling things into being, but prayer is a more intimate conversation where we invite God into the entirety of our lives, not just our desires.

In both my work and personal life, I strive to remain open-minded and accepting of all people. I believe in embracing diversity and avoiding judgment. I am forgiving, but I also know the importance of setting clear, healthy boundaries. I see these values as deeply connected to both my religious and spiritual beliefs. Perhaps the reason I initially used the term "universe" to describe the guiding energy I felt was because it seemed to embody an inclusive, non-judgmental presence. I try to live my life with the same openness, embracing everyone, regardless of where they are on their journey. The shift to calling this divine energy "God" hasn’t changed my commitment to inclusion. It has, however, deepened my understanding of that connection.

I still believe in the divine orchestration of life, but now, I feel that I am part of a more directed and intimate conversation. It’s as though my requests are being heard with a clarity I didn’t have before, a clarity that reminds me of the connection I have to something greater than myself, something that’s actively involved in my path. The connection and intimacy of prayer serves as a reminder to me that I am part of a relationship here, with God. I am not casting my energy out into a wild waving ocean, I am speaking directly to source and my words are being received and responded to. 

It’s been a beautiful and humbling shift, one that continues to evolve as I navigate my faith. Whether you call it the universe, God, or something else entirely, the belief in a higher power guiding us through this journey remains the same. What’s important is the trust we place in that force and the power of the words we use to call on it