.jpg){kind=logo}
AFFIRMATIVE PRAYER
When most people think of prayer, they think of asking God for something.
Not so in Unity.
Unity uses “affirmative prayer.” Rather than begging or beseeching God, this method involves connecting with the spirit of God within and asserting positive beliefs about the desired outcome.
Affirmative prayer is the same method of prayer Jesus taught when he said, “So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).
If, for example, one were to pray traditionally, one might say: “Please God, help me find a job.” By contrast, an affirmative prayer might be: “I am now guided to my right and perfect employment.”
Affirmative prayer reflects the certainty that we are each being led to our highest good, despite any temporary appearances.
unity's five step prayer process
Relaxation - Center yourself, quiet your mind, let go of the day’s concerns.
Concentration - Declare an affirmation, a positive statement of something good in your life. For example: “I am healthy and whole.” An affirmation does not reflect your current reality. It is a deeper reality, and voicing it puts you on the path to being it.
Meditation - Choose a beautiful word and focus on it. Your word might be ‘love,’ home,’ or ‘God.’ There’s no need to force it. As other thoughts appear, and they will, wave at them as they go by. Return to your center. Return to your word.
Realization - Very often your time in meditation will bring you to a deeper understanding of your affirmation from step two. If it comes to you, great. If not, don’t worry. Just restate your affirmation and trust God.
Appreciation - Give thanks in a way that is meaningful to you.
A Note: This is not the only way to pray, but it’s a good one! For most of us it can be helpful to have a framework. You can create a set of written prayers for yourself based on this structure, or you can pray what you feel in the moment. Or both. Try to find a quiet place, set a specific time every day, and watch your connection to your Source grow deeper.