Affirmative prayer is not like the sort of prayers that many of us grew up with. It is not about pleading with a G_d to do something for us, but directing our self-talk to our inner selves in a positive and life-enhancing way.
We know there is an Intelligence in the universe that shapes energy into matter and responds when we direct our attention to it – in recent decades scientists (quantum physicists) have confirmed that this is so. We are an integral part of this Intelligence. We are each an individualized expression of the whole, like musical notes contributing to a complete composition. Our aim is to express more of the attributes of this Intelligence – life, love, joy, wholeness, harmony, freedom, abundance, peace and so on. But it does not come from ‘out there,’ but from ‘in here’.
Iris Murdoch called prayer, ‘the most essential of human activities.’ Why? As the Danish philosopher Kierkegaard said, ‘Prayer does not change G_d, but it always changes the one who prays.’
Just as everything in the universe – including you – is energy in vibration, prayer is energy too. Prayer-energy is a form of higher vibration. So pray often, whenever you feel a need. Pray in silence and feel that inner peace. Pray in the morning, before your mind has turned to other things, to start the day in a centred, peaceful frame of mind. Pray in the evening, to wind down and go to sleep.
How to pray
Affirm and deny. There are two main mechanisms:
- Denials – in this context, letting go: releasing the energy you have been putting into the appearance of spiritual lack.
- Affirmations – establishing in your mind the attributes you wish to acquire and thinking, speaking and inwardly feeling them taking form.
Affirmations and denials can produce immediate changes in the mind, especially if the word ‘now’ is included.
Example of denials
Use the word ‘release’ in denials and ‘establish’ in affirmations as reminders of the changes you want. Identify and be clear on the mental and emotional conditions you want to release and those you wish to establish, and be conscious of what you are denying and affirming.
‘I now release from my life all negativity, all lack, all sickness, resentment, jealousy, fear…..’ and so on.
Examples of affirmations
‘I now establish in my life perfect health, forgiveness, courage, strength, prosperity, happiness, love and peace. I am whole and free, and I am grateful……’
‘The vitalising energy now floods my whole consciousness.’
‘I am now aware of the Presence in me that is whole and complete, that heals, and inspires and harmonises. It is the source of my Inner Power and my power to think, my power to achieve and the glory of all my accomplishments. This is the Truth, and it is now done.
- Pray regularly
Set aside time every day for quiet prayer.
2. Pray in the silence
Enter the silence and mentally relax. Go to a place where you will be undisturbed and close the door. Quieten the mental chatter.
3. Pray to the Source
Address your prayers to the Source (however you envisage it) within. Realise that you have always been part of the Infinite Intelligence.
Remember, all visible things come from the invisible and are dependent on the unseen for their existence, and you have a part to play in this process. Prayer brings into play forces that change the character of every cell in your body.
- Do not become a ‘praying beggar’
Do not misunderstand the purpose and effects of prayer. It is not to get a ‘Higher Power’ to intervene in the world; this is not prayer is for; nor does it work. Instead, ask for strength, wisdom and guidance from within.
Don’t ask for solutions; ask for the wisdom to find them for yourself and the strength to put them into action.
5. Pray unceasingly
You can pray any time – indeed, every thought is a prayer in its own way. The more you pray, the more effective it is. Pray in the certain knowledge that your words will make a difference.
The words you use in affirmative prayer are like seeds planted in your mind. They bear fruit. They are prime causes that eventually create sought-after effects. Don’t take my word for it – try it for yourself!
©David Lawrence Preston, 29.6.2016
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