The meaning of intention

Clarity of intention is essential for a healer. But what is intention? Phrases we hear are “Well, I suppose his intentions were good” and “I intended to do that but I forgot…” Here, intention is fruitless. This is not the kind of “intention” that gets results. It reminds me of James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”

The dictionary defines intention as: (among other things):

1. an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result.
2. the end or object intended; purpose.
3. the person or thing meant to benefit from a prayer or religious offering.

I understand intention to be an undivided purpose or objective. Intention comes from deep within then nestles within our breast. It is not restless or flighty, but stable and constant. It is a kind of confidence, but a confidence that is not easily shaken, based not on ourselves, but the expected goodness of God who works through us.  This comes as we understand that “whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:22