A focus on Readings 262-14 to 262-17 on the ASFG Lesson of Faith
The Readings 262-14 to 262-17 from Edgar Cayce offer a profound exploration of faith—its nature, development, and application in life. Here's a thematic synthesis and analysis focused specifically on what Cayce presents about faith.
1. What Is Faith?
Faith, in these readings, is described as:
More than belief or mental assent. It is a creative force that aligns the individual with divine or universal purpose.
Not rooted in reason or the five senses: Faith transcends the material senses. Cayce emphasizes that if it depends on the senses, it becomes confidence, not true faith.
Faith is "the substance of things hoped for" (echoing Hebrews 11:1), and is often equated with spiritual awareness and the acceptance of divine truth, even when there is no material evidence.
A power inherent to the soul, which must be awakened and exercised in life.
“Faith – PURE faith – [is] accepting or rejecting without basis of reason, or BEYOND the ken or scope of that as is perceived through... the five senses.” (262-14)
2. Faith vs. Confidence
Cayce carefully distinguishes between faith and confidence:
Confidence arises from the senses or mental reasoning—based on past experiences or personalities.
Faith is spiritual knowing that comes through contact with the divine within—the spirit of God, the "Spirit of Truth."
“That that has been brought into the consciousness through the activity OF the spiritual forces... becomes the essence of faith itself.” (262-14)
3. How Do We Develop Faith?
Faith is both a gift and a choice:
It is part of our spiritual inheritance and develops through application and use.
Faith grows by being tested and exercised, particularly through action aligned with divine ideals.
Key methods of development include:
Self-examination in light of one's ideal (262-14).
Service to others and acting in love (262-15, 262-17).
Daily prayer, meditation, and losing self in the service of God and man (262-17).
“Use that thou hast in hand, for the ground whereon thou standest is holy!” (262-15)
“By FAITH a cup of water given brings its reward to self, and quenches the thirst of the thirsty.” (262-17)
4. Obstacles to Faith
Doubt, especially when individuals try to rationalize or require proof.
Attachment to form or ritual without the inner spirit.
Materialism, or reliance on external validation, undermines the inner knowing that is true faith.
“Most say they believe, and yet begin at once to explain... how this means in the mental rather than in the material source.” (262-14)
“He that doubteth, then – doubteth self, doubteth Him!” (262-17)
5. Faith in Healing and Daily Life
Faith healing is affirmed as valid, and those who feel called must sanctify themselves (body, mind, and spirit) to become effective channels.
Faith is practical—not abstract. It expresses through:
Kindness.
Speech.
Touch.
Inner attitude.
“Magnify in the words of mouth, the acts of the body and hand, that as is GIVEN day by day.” (262-14)
6. Faith as a Creative and Living Force
Faith is repeatedly linked to the Creative Forces (God) and is described as having:
Essence and substance: not abstract belief but something real and energetic.
A transformative power, capable of reshaping the soul and environment.
The ability to awaken divine potential in self and others.
“Faith is the essence of creative forces within the active force of that of an individual...” (262-17)
Summary Points
Theme - Key Insight
Nature of Faith - Spiritual, not sensory; creative and intuitive.
Faith vs. Confidence - Confidence = mental; Faith = spiritual certainty beyond senses.
Development - Grows through use, tests, meditation, and alignment with one’s ideal.
Obstacles - Doubt, reasoning, dependence on form, and material validation.
Application - In healing, service, speech, prayer, and conscious spiritual living.
Faith as Living Power - Faith is the channel through which divine forces operate in material life.
TEACHING NOTES ON THE LESSON OF FAITH
Here are Teaching Notes on the Lesson of Faith based on Edgar Cayce Readings 262-14 to 262-17. These are structured for use in a study group, classroom, or workshop setting, and include key points, discussion prompts, and application exercises.
From Readings 262-14 to 262-17 — Edgar Cayce's Search for God Series
I. Key Definitions and Concepts
1. What Is Faith?
Faith is “the substance of things hoped for”—it is a spiritual reality, not just belief.
It is not based on reason or physical evidence.
Faith is a creative force, allowing the individual to align with the divine pattern and manifest divine will in life.
“Faith, pure faith – accepting or rejecting without basis of reason...” (262-14)
2. Faith vs. Confidence
Confidence is rooted in material experience, sense perception, and reasoning.
Faith transcends the senses, arising from spiritual attunement and inner knowing.
“Faith not of the senses, else it becomes confidence...” (262-14)
II. How Faith Develops
1. Gift and Growth
Faith is part of the soul’s divine heritage.
It grows by use, just like a muscle—through meditation, service, and testing.
“Use that thou hast in hand... the ground whereon thou standest is holy.” (262-15)
2. Through Alignment with the Ideal
Self-examination in light of one's spiritual ideal is essential.
The more we act in harmony with the ideal, the stronger faith becomes.
III. Building Faith: Practices and Disciplines
1. Meditation and Prayer
Faith is deepened through inner communion—not ritual, but intention.
Form is less important than sincerity and selflessness.
“In whatsoever manner... we live, we die, in the Lord.” (262-17)
2. Daily Actions
Faith is made real through:
Acts of kindness.
Healing touch.
Words of truth and love.
Quiet persistence in spiritual discipline.
IV. Living by Faith
1. Application in Healing
Faith healing is valid when grounded in purity, prayer, and a desire to serve.
Those called to it must sanctify mind, body, and soul.
“Let them sanctify their selves... to his fellow man’s service.” (262-17)
2. Acting Without Doubt
Doubt neutralizes faith.
True faith trusts the divine outcome without needing evidence or control.
V. Questions for Group Reflection
How do I distinguish between faith and confidence in my life?
When have I acted in pure faith? What was the outcome?
What ideal am I aligning my life with? How does it shape my faith?
How do I respond to doubt—internally or externally?
How can I apply my faith today in a small, tangible act?
VI. Faith in Action – Exercises
1. Daily Practice
Meditate 10 minutes each day on: “Create in me a pure heart, O God.”
Write down one action each day where you consciously chose faith over fear.
2. Service-Based Challenge
Give one act of kindness “by faith” this week, expecting no reward.
3. Scripture & Reading Connection
Study Hebrews 11:1 and 1 Corinthians 13 in parallel with 262-14 to 262-17.
Journal how Cayce’s teaching expands your understanding of biblical faith.
Closing Thought
“By FAITH a cup of water given brings its reward to self... not that it brings to self as a reward, but the reward is as of that brought to self by the act.” — 262-17
Let faith become living in you—not as an idea, but as a way of life.
