Greetings, fellow human. I’m writing today to share the protocol I use when offering any kind of prayer or energy to someone else.

First I would offer that I frame the consent process as a circuit rather than a switch. A switch model says: ‘once we make an agreement, then it’s either yes or no’ - there is little room for ambiguity, and revoking consent would terminate whatever ‘relationship’ one is in - relationship in quotes, as this could be as simple as agreeing/not to having your picture taken at a party.

When conceived as a circuit, consent becomes a conversation, and I enjoy using the FRIES model when contemplating consent circuits .

Within an intimate context, the FRIES model for consent suggests that we are actively engaging in an ongoing conversation that seeks and supports freedom and liberation through agreement; knowing this can change at any time.

Likewise, if someone is confronting a major moment, like the death of a family member, a life-threatening diagnosis, etc., I believe all offerings having to do with prayer, energy work, good vibes, etc - need to be consensual in order to be ethical - if they offering is specific to a person for a specific reason.

My reasons for this way of thinking are many, and here’s a short list

• Maybe they don’t pray

• Maybe they don’t like the kind of energy work i’m offering

• Maybe they pray a different way

• Or have some kind of trauma

• Maybe I want to come from a place of altruism

So I always ask. If I know someone’s practice I’ll make a specific offer like the one below. I know this person’s religion - they had already expressed their fond memories of their loved one - and we have an ongoing relating that I feel comfortable and appropriate asking if I can pray for her.

What do you think? Put it in the comments below.